Volvo has pulled the covers off of its smallest SUV yet. Called the EX30, it’s an all-electric crossover that sits at the bottom of the band’s lineup below the XC40 Recharge and C40.
“The fully electric EX30 might be our smallest ever SUV, but it’s a big deal for our customers and a big deal for us as a company,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo’s chief executive.
While it’s Volvo’s smallest offering, it shares some similarities with its large EX90 cousin. The Thor’s Hammer headlights are modernized on EX30, and while we’re unsure if they pop open like on EX90, we hope that’s the case.
It also has a compact rear roof line that slopes a tiny bit, reminding us a bit of the C40. The taillight treatment also is a bit C40 with the strakes alongside the rear hatch, but the EX30 also has the C-clamp taillight design of other Volvo and Polestar products.
We have to admit, the rear view is the most confusing to us, but the rest of the small crossover looks quite good. Especially considering that Volvo is going to offer the EX30 in real colors, including a Cloud Blue and a Moss Yellow.
Inside, minimalism is key. There is a single screen used for all user interface, including vehicle information. That means that the old instrument cluster is gone in favor of a Tesla-like single screen setup.
The infotainment is based on Google’s Android Automotive, and we’ve been pleased with its performance. Plus, only offering a center screen does make it more affordable when producing a car for both left- and right-hand drive markets.
And savings is the key with this car. Not just with pricing, which we’ll discuss in later, but also in reducing carbon footprint. Based on some complicated math that Volvo did for us, the company anticipates total driving of 200,000 kms (that’s 124,274 miles in old money) to total a carbon footprint of less than 30 tons.
But what about the range? Well, if you go for the rear-drive, Single Motor Extended Range variant, you should get an anticipated 275 of range based on the EPA test cycle. That’s on par with a Tesla Model 3 in a more crossover-friendly package.
If you want all-wheel drive, or simply have to have the quickest accelerating Volvo ever, you need to get the Twin Motor Performance variant. It makes 422 horsepower and has a Volvo claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. That’s borderline silly, but should be fun.
The dual motor variant will charge at up to 153 kW, which should get you a 10% to 80% charge in 26.5 minutes.
If country trails are your thing, then you’ll want the EX30 Cross Country. It’ll have more ground clearance, 19-inch black wheels, or 18-inch wheels with some bespoke tires.
It’ll also have skid plates, special badging, and a Swedish flag on the hood. Order books for that version open next year.
But for the regular Volvo EX30, order books are open now. The best news is this little Volvo will carry a starting price in the U.S. of $34,950. When it arrives on U.S. soil it’ll be one of the most affordable new EVs on sale.
The world needs more affordable EVs, and we’re happy to see that is Volvo’s focus with the EX30.
