Volvo has given us our best look yet at its upcoming EV – now confirmed to be called the Volvo EX30. It’ll sit below the XC40 Recharge in the firm’s expanding all-electric SUV line up.
As Volvo’s entry-level electric SUV, the EX30 will still feature the chunky design language seen on the Swedish brand’s other cars – including the newly unveiled EX90 flagship SUV. We saw a teaser image back in November of the EX30 but not as much as this new video posted by Volvo.
We can immediately see that the EX30 will receive similar rear-end treatment to the larger SUV, as well as the XC40. That means a sharply angled hatchback and the brand’s signature tail-light motif. The front end will use a full-width light bar – in the same vein as the new EX90’s. Our exclusive image shows this on a downsized version of Volvo’s typical SUV profile.
Recent spy shots from China would appear to confirm these details, along with a typically bluff front end that will incorporate some of the styling evolution introduced on the EX90. Expect the new arrival to measure around 4.25 metres in length, giving Volvo a rival to everything from the latest Hyundai Kona to forthcoming larger electric MINI models.
We’ve already seen much of the EX30’s technical make-up, thanks to the reborn Smart brand. Its first model, the #1, uses the same underpinnings, a modular all-electric platform from parent firm Geely called Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). As a result, expect the EX30 to be offered as either a 268bhp model with single rear-mounted motor, or as a four-wheel-drive car with around 420bhp.
The Smart’s 68kWh battery would be enough for the EX30’s city-focused buyers and should mean a range of around 250 miles. It will also offer 150kW charging, allowing a 10-to-80 per cent refill in less than half an hour.
Volvo is likely to use more sustainable materials inside and could use Google’s Android Automotive infotainment system. This will be displayed on a large ‘floating’ tablet in the centre of the fascia. Expect to see the EX30 later this year.
Now more about the upcoming Volvo EX90…