The new all-electric Volvo EX30 hit South African market earlier this year and could be the best small electric car currently. Yes, there are other better models from Volvo like the Volvo XC90 T8. But this new EX30 serves as their newest electric variant. Sitting below the XC40 and C40 Recharge models.
Volvo customers have the option of four interior specifications: Summer days, Particle, Blue and Pixel knit & Nordico. An overall minimalist interior, with a very small instrument cluster and a bigger central infotainment screen. The infotainment itself is an updated version you get in the XC40/C40. It might be a hassle operating it, due to many submenus and hidden features. It does get easier to use after a week of living with the EX30.
There are three powertrains available for South Africa, which all come with the same 64.0 KwH battery pack. A 272 horsepower/ 200kw, single electric motor model with up to 344 km of combined range and takes approximately 26 mins to charge on DC outlets. The extended single motor version does over 476 km of estimated combined range and charges to full in 28 minutes. The range topping performance model has dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and 428 horsepower/ 315 kw. It does have less range than the extended range model at 450 km. It is still reasonable when considering the performance of 3.6 second to 100 km/h, which is enough to embarrass its petrol counterparts.
It does have some down sides and niggles. The ride comfort is very stiff that’s due to the spring ratio calibration for to deal with the weight. The dual motor upgrade is very pricey. And most annoyingly there is no dedicated gauge display for drivers.
The Volvo EX30 is a characterful electric vehicle that offers simplicity from the other electric Volvo models and the other expensive competitors. I guess that’s why South Africa is so excited for them.
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Written by: Amogelang Phiri
Images: Volvo
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