Another week brings another slice of SUV news. However, the slice is smaller than usual, with Volvo bucking the trend to announce its “unboxing” of a smaller SUV called the EX30. The size of the car is not the only smaller feature, as prices are set to begin at only £33,795 which is impressive considering the price of EVs at this present time.

“We like to say the EX30 is small yet mighty because it delivers everything you’d want from a Volvo but in a smaller package.” Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said in a statement.

Volvo has at least tried to do something different in a market already crammed with SUVs and particularly EV ones. The height, width and length come in at 1549mm, 1836mm and 4233m respectively. That’s not to say they will be solely sticking to the smaller theme as the upcoming EX90 SUV will demonstrate after its delay.

The EX30 will come in two forms: a single motor extended range model and a higher performed dual motor version. Both feature a 69kWh battery with 64kWh of usable power. A 0-80% charge time of just over 26 minutes is the aim for a battery that can accept up to 152kW of DC fast charging.

In terms of the range we only have estimates now, though it is predicted that the single-motor version will reach an estimated 275 miles, whereas the dual-motor version will go just under that at 265 miles.

The single-motor model can go from 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds and from 268hp, while the dual does a significantly quicker 3.4 seconds from 422hp, making it Volvo’s fastest accelerating car ever.

For those that struggle with parking, the EX30 will be Volvo’s first car to include the next gen version of Park Assist Pilot which claims to be able to handle even the most difficult of parking angles and situations. As well as this, for city drivers, you’ll be alerted if there is an upcoming cyclist or pedestrian as you’re about to open the driver door.

Volvo has grand plans for the EX30 and also plans to produce a limited-edition Cross Country version which comes with more ground clearance and the option of 19 and 18-inch wheels with bespoke tyres. However, if you just fancy the original version, then £33,795 is still the starting price.

The price is even more telling when you consider that it is similarly priced to its equivalent-sized petrol alternatives and compared to a Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Kira Nero EV, it can amazingly work out cheaper. However, there are a few things to consider first. Such is its small size, the battery that comes with it is modest. Yes, it can churn out a decent range but for an additional £5000, you can upgrade to a bigger battery. The price now begins to creep up and you’d have to wonder if the price given on launch was done knowingly with the intention of getting people talking about the car.

Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped Volvo’s popularity as a brand and sales figures are on the up, with the Swedish carmaker reporting 275,312 global sales of cars, up 14% compared with the same period last year. In May alone, 60,398 cars were sold, up 31% compared with the same month last year. For this, EV cars are the contributing factor to the growth, rising 196% during the period. Naturally, Europe continues to be the biggest market for Volvo, but sales in the USA and China have continued to be strong also. The Volvo XC60 was the top-selling model with sales of 18,052 cars in May alone and Volvo will hope that the EX30 can play its part in a continuing upwards trajectory for the brand.

Volvo hopes to sell 600,000 EVs by 2025 and will only grow further after the completion of a battery manufacturing facility in Europe by 2026. Swedish partner Northvolt will work with Volvo to supply batteries with higher energy density designed to be integrated as a structural element of the vehicle. These will enable up to 625 miles of range between much faster charges.

Production of the Volvo EX30 starts later this year, with customer deliveries expected to take place in early 2024.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Volvo