Volvo EX30 Debuts As Marque’s Smallest and Most Affordable EV to Date

After several leaks and teasers, the much-anticipated Volvo EX30 has finally made its global debut today. This compact EV SUV stands as Volvo’s smallest and most affordable EV SUV, while also being the quickest production model to date.

2024 Volvo EX30 EV SUV

Underpinning Geely’s SEA platform, the EX30 measures 4,233 MM long, 1,837 MM wide, 1,555 MM high, and a wheelbase of 2,650 MM, making it slightly smaller than the marque’s current compact EV SUV models, the Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge. For reference, the XC40 Recharge measures 4,440 MM long with a wheelbase of 2,702 MM

This smaller footprint not only grants the EX30 the smallest Volvo SUV title, but also makes it the lightest EV model from the Swedish marque, tipping the scale at only 1,830 KG. More importantly, the car’s total mass is also evenly-distributed, promising a much better driving experience.

For the European markets, the EX30 is offered with three powertrain options juiced by two different battery types. The entry-level Single Motor variant is powered by a rear-mounted (RWD) electric motor that delivers 268 HP (200 kW) and 343 NM, juiced by a sizable 51-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. This setup grants the baseline EX30 a claimed EV range of up to 344 KM.

Moving one step further, the mid-spec Single Motor Extended Range variant employs the same rear-mounted motor setup as the baseline model, but it is juiced by a bigger 69-kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack. The pack’s bigger size and different chemical composition grants this variant a maximum EV range of up to 480 KM.

The same 69-kWh NMC battery is also used to juice the range-topping Twin Motor Performance variant, which features a dual motor setup that delivers a total system output of 422 HP and 543 NM. This setup propels the top-specced EX30 model from nought to 100 KM/H in just 3.6 seconds, making it the quickest Volvo production model to date. However, this peppier twin-motor setup reduces the model’s claimed maximum EV range down to 460 KM.

When it comes to charging, the smaller LFP battery pack is capable of up to 134 kW DC charging rate, enabling it to charge from 10% to 80% in about 26 minutes. Meanwhile, the bigger 69-kWh NMC battery boasts a higher DC charging capacity at 153 kW, enabling it to be charged to 80% in about 27 minutes.

The EX30's Thor's Hammer LED headlights are similar to ones found on the EX90

Visually, the EX30 bears very close resemblance to its bigger sibling, the EX90 flagship EV SUV. At the front, the EX30 sports the same next-gen Thor’s Hammer LED headlights design as the EX90, flanking the grill-less front fascia where the marque’s Iron Mark emblem sits.

Things are also quite similar at the back of the EX30, as it sports similar-looking split LED taillights design as the EX90. Apart from the car’s badging and overall dimension, the only way to tell the difference between the two models is by looking at the side profile, as the EX30 comes with an ascending waistline that ends with a thick C-pillar, giving it a ‘floating roof’ optical illusion. Notably the EX30’s wheel arches are also more flared out compared to the EX90, giving it a more muscular look.

Depending on the trim level, the EX30 is offered with a slew of wheel options, with sizes ranging from 18-inch to 20-inch. There are also five wheel colours to choose from, with the Moss Yellow hue being the latest colour option to be offered.

On board, the EX30 boasts a minimalist Scandinavian interior design, featuring a slew of cutting-edge tech equipment and modern amenities. Crowned above the front dash is a 12.3-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display that houses all of the car’s main controls, including the aircond controls for a cleaner and more minimalistic cabin layout.

Just like any other Volvo EVs, the EX30’s infotainment system is powered by a Google-based operating system that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unique to the EX30 is the new home audio-style Harman Kardon soundbar that runs across the full width of the front dash, instead of door-mounted speakers we’ve seen in many cars.

The decluttering of the car’s front dash and central console grants the EX30 with a bevy of storage spaces. This includes the unique glovebox-style multi-function centre console storage space that features a removable storage box at the rear part of the central console.

Elsewhere, there are four interior designs to choose from, with all of them using different recyclable and renewable materials like flax fibres and more. Aside from that, the EX30’s ambient lighting system comes with five different themes, with each of them paired with an ambient soundscape.

Beyond the small package and zippy performance, the Volvo EX30 also stands as the marque’s most environmentally-friendly model to date, with the firm claiming the model boasts 25% less carbon footprint compared to its previous compact EV model, the C40 Recharge. Aside from the broad usage of recycled and renewable materials, Volvo has also streamlined both the car’s manufacturing and the raw material production processes, which helps to reduce the EX30’s total carbon footprint.

2024 Volvo EX30 Cross Country

Aside from the standard model, Volvo also announced that a more rugged version of the EX30, dubbed as the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, will make its debut next year. This souped-up version features a slew of additional equipment and features, including off-road-ready wheels and tyres, more rugged body kit, and many more.

As Volvo’s most affordable EV to date, the EX30 pricing starts at £33,795 (RM193,677) for the entry-level variant. Deliveries for the EX30 are set to commence early next year, with orders for selected markets including Europe and North America have already opened.