New Volvo EX30 This is one of the car maker’s most important steps towards becoming an all-electric brand by 2030. The manufacturer defined it as the most compact car ever created. focuses on rationality, offering a minimalist approach, especially inside the cabin. All this while paying close attention to the sustainability aspect. In addition to extensive use of environmentally friendly materials, the Volvo EX30 it is 95% recyclable.
Like New Electric SUV? We went to Bologna for the first contact to take a closer look at the car’s characteristics.
- LESS – MORE
- WHAT IS IT INSIDE?
- MOTOR
- FIRST DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
- PARK
- DATA SHEET
- PRICES
One glance is enough to understand that this is a Volvo. The front end is essentially characterized by LED headlights with Glowing branded rating “Thor’s Hammer” which we find on all models of automakers. At the rear, the roofline slopes slightly toward the rear window. Additionally, we can observe separated light clusters, the lower ones having a C-shaped light signature.
Once on board, the interior is amazing. minimalist style. Everything unnecessary and redundant has been removed as part of an overall optimization process aimed at reducing CO2 emissions during vehicle production. For example me electric windows they are no longer on the doors. In fact, they have been moved to the end of the center armrest so that they can be used by the driver and front passenger. Curiously, there are not 4, but 2, since there is a small button that acts as a “switch” to control the opening and closing of the rear windows. By pressing it, you can use the same controls to use the rear windows.
At the top of the dashboard we find a large soundbar (in our example from Harman Kardon) that replaces the classic speakers usually found in the doors. Thus, it was possible to save space in the door leaves.
No digital tools but only one 12.3″ vertical central touch display from which almost everything is controlled. To be clear, you do control almost every aspect of the car, including climate control and opening a small compartment on the dashboard where you can store car documents. After all, Volvo has removed almost all of the physical controls inside the cabin. Even to adjust the rearview mirrors, you have to refer to the infotainment system screen.
Platform Android Automotive which means that we find Google services as well as the possibility of installing additional applications directly from the Play Store to enrich the car with digital functions. There 5G connection. At the top of the screen we can see basic information about the trip, such as speed, autonomy and battery level. Below you control all the apps and functions of the real infotainment system. The interior design is minimalistic, but not bad at all and corresponds to Volvo quality. As mentioned, there is widespread use of recycled materials for coatings. The build is solid and the materials used are pleasant to the touch.
There are no big problems ahead. Even for someone like me, who is over 180 cm tall, quickly finding a suitable driving position is not difficult. Behindinstead this not much space. In terms of width, this is not a problem; there are still a few centimeters between two adults. However, there is little legroom. Additionally, if the front seats are adjusted to their lowest position, passengers in the rear may have difficulty getting their legs under them.
However, the storage compartments inside the cabin are good. In particular, the center console is extremely versatile thanks to a sliding system that allows you to choose exactly how to use the space. The top of the cup holder can be pulled out or pushed back to create more space. The lower tunnel provides secure storage space for small items.
The trunk is not record-breaking, just under 320 liters of capacity. Imagine little idiot where you can place the charging cable to free up space in the double trunk bottom.
The test version was “Extended range with one motor”, that is, equipped 200 kW electric motor combined with a 69 kWh battery (64 kWh usable) with NMC cells provides a WLTP range of just under 480 km. Rear traction. The same unit can also be equipped with a 51 kWh battery (49 kWh usable) with LFP cells for a range of 344 km (WLTP).
If you’re looking for maximum performance, there’s a Twin Motor Performance version with two electric motors producing 315 kW. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, compared to 5.3 seconds for the all-wheel drive model. The battery is still 69 kWh, but the autonomy is reduced to 443-449 km. For all variants, the maximum speed is 180 km/h.
Speaking of charging, the 69 kWh battery can provide a maximum power of up to 153 kW in DC and up to 11/22 kW in AC (depending on the charger provided in the installation). The 51 kW battery can charge up to 134 kW DC and up to 11 kW AC. We remind you that the Volvo EX30 is built on the SEA Geely Group platform.
It wasn’t a good day for a test drive. Occasional rain, light fog and bad weather makes the roads particularly slippery in some areas. route about 90 km this included several kilometers of motorway and then a state road with some mixed sections in the Apennines.
It takes some time behind the wheel to get used to the “centralized” control of all vehicle functions via the infotainment system display. A few more physical buttons would also be nice to avoid distractions while driving. Fortunately, the screen looks very good, although the abundance of options sometimes makes it feel a little cramped.
The 200 kW version with one engine is felt at the slightest pressure on the gas pedal and allows you to indulge any whim. If you want maximum, there is also a version with two motors with 315 kW, which, however, is almost “exaggerated” given the type of car. You can also have a function one pedal which is activated from the infotainment system. Unfortunately, the slowdown isn’t what I expected, and the regeneration intensity can’t be adjusted like on other machines.
The weather, of course, did not help evaluate the dynamic behavior of the car, but the Volvo EX30 can count on one thing. the right compromise between dynamics and comfort. The steering is not too direct, perhaps a little “light”, even if the load can be changed (always from the screen).
On the shortest stretch of the route we were able to test adaptive cruise control. Never harsh, it doesn’t seem to suffer from the presence of trucks. However, a more definitive conclusion would require much longer testing on motorways.
How much does the Volvo EX30 consume? 91.6 km were covered average consumption is 18.2 kWh/100 km.. Battery charge dropped from 97% to 73%. A result that should be taken with a grain of salt, given that the driving style was clearly not everyday. I will add that the air conditioner was working and the air temperature was always around 13-14 degrees. Obviously, for a more comprehensive test, we’ll put you off until we’ve had a chance to test the car more quietly.
We also had the opportunity to try out the feature automated parking (Park Pilot Assist) available for the vehicle. How it works? Bata is approaching a parking lot with empty spaces. Then just tap the camera icon on the screen and then the auto parking icon.
At this stage, from the infotainment system we will only have to select a parking space among those identified by the car. The Volvo EX30 will take care of the rest, taking over steering, brakes and accelerator control. A system that worked very well.
Technical data sheet of the tested sample.
DIMENSIONS
- LENGTH: 4233 mm
- WIDTH: 2032 mm (with mirrors)
- HEIGHT: 1549 mm
- WHEELBASE: 2650 mm
- GROUND HEIGHT: 165 mm
- CAPACITY: 318/904 liters
- EMPTY WEIGHT: 1775 kg.
- TRADING WEIGHT: 1850 kg.
MOTOR
- Electrical engine
- POWER: 272 hp (200 kW)
- TORQUE: 343 Nm
- rear drive
- BRAKES: 4 discs
- BATTERY: 69 kWh (usable 64 kWh) – NMC cells
- CHARGING: 153 kW DC and 22 kW AC.
PERFORMANCE
- MAXIMUM SPEED: 180 km/h.
- ACCELERATION 0–100 km/h: 5.3 seconds.
- RANGE: 466-475 km (WLTP)
How much does it cost new Volvo EX30 in Italy? The SUV is offered in three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultra (the latter is not available for the model with an LFP battery). Prices start from 35,900 euros for the version with one motor, 51 kWh battery and basic equipment. Part of the range is also compatible with government incentives, which, we remind you, provide a price limit for a car of 35,000 euros plus VAT (42,700 euros).
As for the Italian market, Volvo has high hopes for the EX30. A total of 2,050 copies were sold in 2023. From January to February 2024, 600 units have already been sold. The forecast for the year is to deliver 4,550 pieces to Italy.
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.