EX30 landing in April in single and dual motor forms

TWO of three incoming versions of the entry to Volvo’s electric vehicle family have priced to take advantage of a battery incentive that will be gone by the time it lands.

The smallest electric model Volvo says it intends to build, the EX30 is a compact five-seater quasi crossover set to arrive in April of 2024.

Price-wise it will place below the C40 car but in functionality terms will and also act as a lower tier alternate to the XC40 sports utility.

A local distributor announcement today says it will avail in three formats, a single motor type in Extended Plus and Ultra trims at $74,990 and $78,990 respectively - low enough to attract the $7015 Clean Car discount the incoming National government is expected to abolish by December 31, if not sooner. With that incentive, the car would have availed from $67,975.

Also coming is a dual motor, also in Ultra trim, for $84,990 - so, $1000 less than the cheapest C40 and CX40 in single motor format; both those models currently evidencing in front-drive but set to next year switch to rear-drive. EX30 already conforms to that layout.

The car carries Volvo's latest design language, with similar features to its range-topping EX90 seven-seat SUV that is also close to launch.

Styling highlights include a new interpretation of Volvo's 'Thor's Hammer' lighting signature and split rear light cluster; it has minimal front and rear overhangs, a black roof and 20-inch alloy wheels are standard.

Green credentials are also solid, with Volvo claiming the EX30 has been designed with the aim of having a smaller carbon footprint than any previous Volvo.

The car contains 25 percent recycled aluminium and 17 percent recycled steel, with a further 17 percent of its plastic content coming from recycled sources. It also evidences strong use of recycled materials inside, such as denim and PET plastic bottles, alongside more sustainable materials, including flax and wool.

Volvo has worked with suppliers to reduce emissions from the production process, while better end-of-life disposal has also been factored into the car's design.

A minimalist ethos also means the cabin is almost entirely free of buttons. The dashboard's centre has a vertical 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in Google functions and wireless Apple CarPlay. It displays essential driving data at the top of the screen, with shortcuts to frequently used functions at the bottom. There is also a 'Calm View' that shows only the essential info.

In respect to powertrains, Volvo here has bypassed the entry starting with a 51kWh LFP battery with a driving range of 344 kilometres.

The line here takes what the factory calls its extended-range set-up, using a 69kWh NMC battery to provide 479 kilometres of driving between charges from the single motor, which makes the same 200kW and 343Nm as the smaller battery entry car.

The dual-motor setup produces 315kW and 543Nm and a 460km range, according to global WLTP estimate.

The Volvo can accept up to 175kWh DC recharging; at that rate replenishment from 10 percent to 80 percent in half an hour id accomplished.

The dual motor is the fastest off the line - in its full performance trim, not mentioned yet by the local distributor, it cracks 0-100kmh in 3.6 seconds. The dual motor has the highest towing capacity of 1600kg, a 200kg advtange over the single motor.

Despite being the smallest car in its range, Volvo isn't deviating from its commitment to safety. The EX30 has numerous systems to ensure it is safe for occupants and other road users. The features include: Intersection auto brake; vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection; oncoming mitigation by braking; pedestrian, cyclist and scooter steering avoidance; rear collision warning and cross traffic alert with auto brake, front cross traffic with auto brake; road sign information; Intelligent speed assist and adaptive cruise. It has the vaunted pilot assist, whose many elements include ability to increase energy recuperation when slowing to reduce brake wear and restore some energy to the battery.

The Plus variant has a dual tone roof, digital key, wireless charging, Harman Kardon premium sound, a power tailgate, front parking sensors, welcome / farewell lighting, and auto dim mirrors. The Twin Motor Ultra adds in a fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, park assist pilot, power seats, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. It has exclusive alloy wheel design.

Volvo here is offering a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty, a three-year roadside assistance package, eight-year battery warranty and three-year servicing.

Volvo holds high expectations for the EX30, predicting it will become one of its best-selling vehicles in the near future, and that thought is shared here.

Ben Montgomery, Volvo Cars NZ general manager, says the EX30 is “an expresso version of everything Volvo.

“Distinctive Scandinavian design values, advanced safety, legendary comfort and cutting-edge tech in a smaller format.

“With the EX30 we enter a new, growing segment – the small, fully electric luxury SUV. Opening up the world of Volvo and electric vehicles to a lot of new Kiwis."