Volvo has taken the wraps off its newest EV and smallest ever SUV, the EX30. What’s more, this little vehicle also carries the smallest carbon footprint in the Swedish brand’s history.
At just 4,234 millimetres long, with a 2,649-mm wheelbase, it’s 191 mm shorter than the Volvo XC40. But the EV powertrain layout means the wheels can be pushed to the edges for more room inside than you might think. Cargo room with the rear seats folded is 904 L.
Volvo EX30
There will be two versions available: the Single Motor Extended Range and the Twin Motor Performance. Both feature 69 kWh batteries (64 kWh useable), and can charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just over 26 minutes with their maximum 153 kW charge rate. The rear-drive Single Motor Extended Range has 268 hp, 253 lb.-ft. of torque and a range of 442.5 km; the AWD Twin Motor Performance has 422 hp, 400 lb.-ft. of torque and a range of 426.5 km, due to the added weight (1,750 kg vs 1878 kg). Volvo also says the EX30 Twin Motor Performance, which goes from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, is the fastest accelerating car it’s ever built!
Volvo EX30
By tackling emissions across the entire production and lifecycle, as well as extensive use of recycled materials such as the seat fabric and some aluminum and steel, the EX30 has less than 30 tons of emissions over 200,000 km of test driving, based on usage of charging electricity from the EU27 electricity mix.
Inside, the EX30 will have four different style themes Volvo calls ‘rooms’, and it features just one 12.3-inch centre infotainment screen that also doubles as the instrument cluster. It’s powered by Google built-in, but will also feature wireless Apple CarPlay.
Volvo EX30
Of course, being a Volvo means it has to be safe, and the EX30 is equipped with myriad of safety features; one, for instance, is designed to help prevent the ‘dooring’ of oncoming bicyclists. And the EV will also have the latest Volvo Park Pilot Assist feature, which self-parks the SUV in a variety of situations.
Volvo EX30
Next year, Volvo will also introduce the EX30 Cross Country, which will have higher ground clearance, 19-inch black wheels and the option of 18-inch wheels with bespoke tires, skidplates, and black panels on the front bumper and trunklid, among other additions.
Canadian pricing for the EX30 will be revealed closer to the EV’s market introduction next summer, though Volvo did reveal we can expect the cost to be nearly that of a comparable SUV with an internal combustion engine.
