Volvo EX30: the bold bet of a compact and “affordable” electric SUV

Volvo has unveiled the EX30, a fully electric SUV, with the undisguised ambition to disrupt the electric SUV segment. For those familiar with Volvo, it’s a surprising move, but it’s essential to remember that Volvo is now a brand of the Geely Group, one of China’s fastest growing auto groups.

An almost complete series of ADAS

The EX30, a compact SUV measuring 4.25 meters in length, is Volvo’s latest creation based on the platform SEA (sustainable experience architecture), fully electric, which will also be equipped with the Smart #1, a fruit of the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely. Clean, minimalist Scandinavian lines, a nod to the recent EX90, are unmistakably present.

As you would expect from a brand that has put safety first, the EX30 comes standard with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Even the entry-level version includes features such as an intelligent collision avoidance system, steering intervention functions, adaptive cruise and distance control, a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, an alert active line crossing and a blind spot monitoring system.

However, the Lane Keeping option, which is available from trim More, lacks base. The addition of this functionality makes it possible to realize semi-automatic level 2 driving, similar to Automatic pilot that Tesla offers as standard.

Battery selection and impressive performance

When it comes to battery life, the EX30 offers two battery sizes. The basic version has a 51 kWh LFP battery and offers a range of 344 km under the WLTP protocol, while the larger 69 kWh NMC battery offers a range of up to 480 km. Even by choosing the largest battery, the price of the vehicle remains below the ecological bonus threshold of 47,000 euros.

Where the EX30 really stands out is the motorcycle version Twin Performance with two electric motors. The EX30 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds thanks to a combined power output of 315 kW (428 hp) and maximum torque of 543 Nm. market, especially on this price positioning.

One central screen

The EX30 offers a streamlined user interface with one central Tesla-like 12.3-inch screen displayed in vertical mode. Volvo has opted for austerity by avoiding the addition of a driver’s screen or a head-up display system. The software interface is very similar to Tesla’s, but Volvo has opted for Google, with Android Automotive whose interface has been adapted to the brand.

The EX30 is offered at a starting price of 37,500 euros, before the application of the ecological bonus. Depending on the income, this rate can be reduced to 32,500 euros or even 30,500 euros after the ecological surcharge. Given the level of finish, a competitive price. At this price you get the Single version, which only offers 344km of autonomy with welcome standard options such as speed cameras and the reversing camera, or even a good portion of the ADAS features as seen above.

The version Extended range onlywith a range of 480 km, is offered for 41,700 euros before the finish Get started, and 45,000 euros for the Plus version. For those who want maximum performance with two engines, you have to pay 49,250 euros for the Plus version, and that rises to 52,200 euros for the Ultra version. At this price level, the ecological bonus is no longer available.

A shadow on the board

Comparing the EX30 to rivals such as the new Hyundai Kona, Renault’s Megane E-Tech, the new Peugeot e-2008, the closely related Smart #1 and of course the competing Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the ‘EX30 seems good positioned. . The weak point, however, is clearly the storage space. Underneath trunk included, the EX30 offers only 318 liters of space.

By comparison, a similarly sized Megane E-Tech offers 440 liters, and the Tesla Model Y offers a whopping 117 liters in the front and 854 liters in the rear. Even if the dimensions are not comparable on paper, one can doubt between these models if the parking space is not a limitation.

That’s a limitation for the EX30, especially for families who might be interested in this all-electric compact SUV, making it less appealing to those who need more luggage space for vacations or long trips.

A well-calculated risky bet

Despite this minor defect, we must admit that Volvo has taken a bold step with the EX30. The Swedish manufacturer has succeeded in combining Volvo’s tradition of design, safety and quality with a new vision of the future of electric mobility.

The EX30 is an attractive proposition and proves once again that Volvo lives up to expectations in the rapidly changing automotive landscape.

This is where the complexity lies for the consumer. The choice is huge, very diverse and Tesla has never been more competitive. If what’s dubbed the Model 2, the long-anticipated $25,000 model, makes its appearance, it could be a huge game-changer. The arrival of this new competitor could not only shake up the market, but also push the boundaries in terms of price for electric vehicles.

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