NEW YORK — The electric vehicle market got its next star as Volvo unveiled the EX30 small SUV at the Classic Car Club Manhattan on Monday night.
Due for sale in the U.S. in summer 2024, the sleek little SUV promises up to 275 miles range and 0-60 mph acceleration in as little as 3.4 seconds, making it the quickest Volvo ever. Add a base price of $34,950, excluding destination charges, and the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in about 25 minutes, and the compact Volvo may be the answer to two of the most persistent criticisms of EVs: cost and charging time.
The EX30’s construction also makes Volvo’s environmental case:
- 25% of its aluminum is recycled
- 17% of its steel is recycled
- 17% of its plastic is recycled
With a base price likely to compete with mainstream models like the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, the EX30 promises to put the squeeze on other small EVs, despite the fact that the Chinese-built subcompact isn’t expected to qualify for federal tax credits.
1 screen and a soundbar — is this a car or a TV?
At 166.7 inches long and 61.1 inches tall, the EX30 is about 8 inches shorter and 4 less tall than Volvo’s XC40 Recharge compact EV. Compared to conventionally powered subcompact SUVs, it’s 13.2 inches shorter and 2.3 inches less tall than a Honda HR-V.
Despite that, the front seat is accommodating, with an unusual layout that includes a tablet style screen in the center of the dashboard. The glovebox is also in the middle, where many vehicles have switches and dials for climate or audio control.
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The top line of the screen always displays key driving information: speed, charge level and driver assistance features. The rest of the 12.3-inch screen varies to show climate, audio navigation and other information.
A soundbar across the top of the dash provides all the sound. Like some TV sound bars, it’s designed to simulate surround sound without multiple speakers around the room, or in this case, the SUV. Top models will have a Harman/Kardon sound bar, while less expensive ones get an unbranded model.
Rear headroom was limited in the EX30 model on display Monday. It was a loaded model with a fixed glass roof. The rear seat provided good legroom. Like all subcompact SUVs, accommodations would be tight with three passengers in the rear seat.
Power and charging
The base 268-horsepower, rear-wheel drive EX30 weighs 3,858 pounds. The 422-hp all-wheel drive model adds a second electric motor to power the front axle and weighs 4,140 pounds. Both models have a 64 kW lithium-ion battery.
Volvo says the AWD EX30 will deliver 265 miles range in EPA tests. The RWD model raises the ante to 275.
The SUV’s electric system can charge at up to 153 kW from DC fast chargers. Volvo hasn’t revealed time to charge at 240 volts, but topping up at low overnight rates should be possible.
Striking lights
The nose features a solid plastic shield in place of a grille. Wide horizontal headlights maintain Volvo’s distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” design, this time with segmented LED that are consistent with the rear lights. Red, C-shaped tail lights on the D-pillars repeat the segmentation.
The exterior also has flared fenders, beltline creases and scalloped lower doors
The EX30 on display had large, ornate optional aerodynamic wheels.
2025 Volvo EX30 at a glance
Subcompact rear- or all-wheel drive electric SUV
Base price: $34,950, excluding destination charge
On sale, summer 2024
69 kW battery
Up to 153 kW charging speed
RWD: 268 hp, 253 pound-feet of torque. 5.1 seconds 0-60 mph
AWD: 422 hp, 400 pound-feet, 3.4 seconds 0-60 mph
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length: 166.7 inches
Height: 61.1 inches
Width: 72.3 inches, 80 including mirrors
Luggage volume with rear seat folded: 31.9 cubic feet
Assembled in China.
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.