This week Volvo had an international reveal of their ‘smallest’ electric vehicle, the EX30. The SUV is meant to make EVs more accessible as it has five options in the range with varying degrees of spec. All five of these vehicles still come in below the million Rand mark.
The Volvo EX30 is still not the cheapest EV – the MINI SE and an upcoming JAC still coming in below EX30’s entry model – which will set you back R775 000. Yet, at the current stage of EV development in South Africa along with the safety, innovation and luxury that comes with Volvo, the price point is impressive and nothing to be easily dismissed.
What to look forward to
With EVs being notoriously expensive in South Africa, one would expect the EX30
to drop some essentials. Yet, it still offers the luxury drivers expect of Volvo.
Additionally, the performance of the Volvo EX30 will not disappoint our power-loving nation.
- The entry-level variant, Core, sports a single electric motor and a 51-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery which offers 134 kW propelling it from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. It has a range of 344 km when fully charged.
- Second and third variants (Plus and Ultra) give a slightly faster 0-100km/h sprint of 5.3 seconds due to the 69-kWh battery. It produces 200 kW of power with a range of 480km. this is the longest range out of the five models.
- The most powerful options are the twin motor plus and Ultra trims. These have two electric motors with the same 69-kWh battery producing 315 kW. Their 0-100km/h sprint is 3.6 seconds but the range is dialled down to 460km.
These figures would likely make the most loyal and adoring Golf GTI driver do a double take. For other drivers, it would likely make a giant leap in changing perceptions of electric cars as non-performers – if anyone is still clinging to this notion.
Volvo takes the proclaimed environmental benefits of converting to EVs beyond just a battery powered car. The interior is made from 70% recycled polyester. There are different options to select from, however, the most noteworthy option is the up-cycling denim fibers to line part of the interior -as Volvo put it, someone’s old jeans had a chance to ‘live to see another day.’
It is also 30% lighter, making use of less steel and aluminium, which not only assists with performance but requires less materials in the manufacturing process.
The decision to offer five models is to ensure all needs within this sector are met within the budgets of drivers. The entry level vehicle has just the standard spec, which itself is not sparse. According to Volvo, should you require more – then just add more. Each model offers progressively more, up to what they affectionately call their pocket-rocket, top of the range vehicle.
A first-of-its-kind in the motor industry, is the inclusion of a sound bar as
standard instead of a traditional sound system. Additionally, the sound bar is used optimally used for both a sound experience and increased space. Situated in the front doors it opens at the top to double as additional storage space and part of the sound system. It is an innovative way to revolutionise vehicle music systems and increase practicality.
While the Volvo is posited as the smallest car in the EV range, this is not to say it is too small for a family and it is still n SUV. It simply means it comes in under, in terms of size, their current offering of SUVs. It measures at 4 233 mm long, 1 555 mm tall and 1 837 mm wide which is good enough to comfortably fit in four people. It also appears to have decent cabin and boot space but more will be seen at the official launch.
Additionally, the safety prioritisation that Volvo 
built a strong reputation on, is not abandoned in any of the models either. Safety spec remains, in varying degrees, from the entry level option right up to the ‘pocket-rocket.’ An example is a special safety feature for bikes that helps prevent so-called ‘dooring’ accidents, by alerting you when you are about to open your door in front of a cyclist, scooter or runner.
As Volvo aptly summarises, just because the EX30 is small does not mean it cannot offer and do big things. From the reveal alone, I am sure this EV will certainly do that and I look forward to when the SUV arrives in South Africa in a two months’ time. In the meantime, if the international reveal has sold you – you can order online but there is a limited number so act quickly.
Volvo believes the EX30 will become their best-seller in the next few years. With all it has to offer, and a fair deal of spec as standard, no matter which model you choose, I do not believe this is an unrealistic expectation.
Pricing
EX30 Core – R775 900
EX30 Plus – R865 900
EX30 Ultra – R965 900
EX30 Plus (twin motor)– R935 900
EX30 Ultra (twin motor) – R995 900
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