The all-new EX30 will be the smallest car in Volvo's range, slotting below the XC40. The Swedish company has high expectations for the EX30, predicting it will become one of its best-selling vehicles in the near future.
The compact crossover carries Volvo's latest design language, with similar features to its range-topping EX90 seven-seat SUV, including a new interpretation of Volvo's 'Thor's Hammer' lighting signature. Minimal front and rear overhangs with 20-inch alloy wheels give it solid proportions. A long wheelbase (that space between the front and rear wheels) creates more passenger space while accommodating a large battery within the floor.
The contrasting black roof slopes gently towards the rear, where a split light cluster gives the EX30 a distinctive appearance.
Volvo claims the EX30 has been designed with the aim of having a smaller carbon footprint than any previous Volvo. The company is working with suppliers to reduce emissions from the production process, while better end-of-life disposal has also been factored into the car's design. The EX30 contains 25 per cent recycled aluminium and 17 per cent recycled steel, with a further 17 per cent of its plastic content coming from recycled sources. It uses more recycled materials inside, such as denim and PET plastic bottles, alongside more sustainable materials, including flax and wool. Many of those recycled materials feature throughout the cabin in a way that is more visible than has been previously seen. The tops of the door panels and lower dashboard fascia shows the mixed recycled material as a feature, for example.
The minimalist design fits with the EX30's modern exterior, and the cabin is almost entirely free of buttons. The dashboard's centre has a vertical 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in Google functions and wireless Apple CarPlay. It displays essential driving data at the top of the screen, with shortcuts to frequently used functions at the bottom. There is also a 'Calm View' that shows only the essential info.
A premium sound system from Harmon Kardon includes a soundbar that spans the full width of the dashboard. At the upper end of the EX30 range, Volvo will offer heated and electrically adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, a large fixed panoramic glass roof and a heat pump. Elsewhere in the cabin, there is a central glovebox to make it easy for both driver and passenger to reach. The centre console includes a removable rear storage box and, similar to the EX90, there is a clever 'will it fit' size guide inside the tailgate to help you judge what you'll be able to squeeze into the boot.
Volvo EX30 battery and range
Three electric powertrain options will be available for the Volvo EX30, starting with a 51kWh LFP battery and a 272hp and 343Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels. This version will have a driving range of 344 kilometres. An extended-range battery will also be available with the same single motor setup, using a 69kWh NMC battery to provide 479 kilometres of driving between charges.
Volvo will also offer a larger capacity battery with a dual-motor setup, producing 428hp and 543Nm and a 460-kilometre driving range. That Twin Motor Performance EX30 will also be the fastest-accelerating Volvo to date, taking 3.6 seconds for 0-100km/h. This version will also have the highest towing capacity of 1,600kg. The Extended Range single motor can tow 1,400kg, while the single motor 51kWh variant can pull 1,000kg.
Volvo fits 11kW AC charging as standard and will offer the option of upgrading that to 22kW capability for faster charging on public AC points. With faster DC charging at 175kW, Volvo says that the EX30 can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 26 minutes. The 51kWh battery can recharge in the same time at a peak rate of 150kW.
Safety and convenience features in the Volvo EX30
Despite being the smallest car in its range, Volvo isn't deviating from its commitment to safety. The EX30 has numerous systems to ensure it is safe for occupants and other road users. One such feature is called Door Opening Alert and is designed primarily with cyclists in mind. The system can detect approaching cyclists and pedestrians and alert occupants when they go to open the door.
As with larger models, Volvo equips the EX30 with its Pilot Assist system that provides adaptive cruise control with steering assistance to ensure it remains in its lane and at a safe distance from other vehicles. Pilot Assist is already regarded as one of the better driver assistance packages, and it increases energy recuperation when slowing to reduce brake wear and restore some energy to the battery.
This latest version of Pilot Assist can also help drivers to change lanes when indicating and leaves more space when passing larger vehicles such as trucks. Higher-spec versions will include a 360-degree camera system with a 3D view and Volvo's Park Pilot Assist to provide automated parking. A reversing camera and rear parking sensors will be standard.
The Volvo EX30 will have a starting price of €38,586 in Ireland, including SEAI grant and VRT relief and is available to order now. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in time for the new "241" registration period in January 2024. Volvo also plans to introduce a more rugged EX30 Cross Country variant later in 2024.
Volvo's Chief Executive, Jim Rowan, said: "We know that price and cost of ownership is still one of the biggest challengers when people consider switching to an electric car. With the Volvo EX30, we aim to bring premium, fully electric mobility to a much broader audience, helping to advance and speed up the transition to full electrification that our industry and society needs."