Small package, big performance, huge spec: Meet the all new EX30

“Small is a big word with a bad reputation, too often mistaken for insignificance or less. But Volvo Cars believes it is a grand philosophy, because everything starts small: One small step for mankind, or a small idea scribbled on a napkin; big things have small beginnings. So let me introduce you to something huge.”

Volvo Cars Global CEO Jim Rowan didn’t attempt to play down the significance of the all new, all electric EX30 small SUV, launched earlier this month in Milan.

“It plays a huge part in our future,” said Rowan. “It is a car for the many. We will build this car in high volume and sell it across the globe … with deliveries to customers before the end of the year,” he added.

“The aim here is that we democratise electrification. I think we are frontrunners in that and we will keep pushing … So it’s a big day for our industry, our company and our customers,” added Rowan.

Here’s what the EX30 brings to the table:

- Up to 480km range and ability to charge faster*.

- Designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo Car.**

- Packed with safety features.

- Interiors that mimic natural light and sound.

- Recycled materials inside and out.

- It’s also the quickest car Volvo has ever built.

**Choices: Powertrains and performance**

The EX30 is all about choice - and that includes the power train.

**Range**: The extended range single motor model uses a 69kW NMC (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides) battery to deliver a range of up to 480km*. It covers 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and can take a peak charging rate of 153kW, meaning the battery can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 26.5 minutes^.

**Power**: The twin motor model is officially Volvo’s quickest ever car, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds. It packs a 69kWh NMC battery and can also be charged at a peak rate of 153kW, enabling 10-80 per cent charging in 26.5 minutes^.

**Sustainability inside and outside**

The EX30 is designed to have the smallest footprint of any Volvo car**. Around 25 per cent of the aluminium used in the car is recycled, as are 17 per cent of the steel and the plastics.

Because it’s small, it uses fewer materials to start with, enabling a carbon footprint roughly a 25 per cent smaller than the Volvo XC40.

Plus, by streamlining the manufacturing process to minimise waste, Volvo Cars has managed to reduce the EX30’s total carbon footprint over 200,000kms of driving to below 30 tonnes.**

Inside the car, depending on which interior you choose, around 30 per cent of the décor parts incorporate recycled plastic. Other options use renewable flax, or you can even opt for upcycled denim (see the rest of the interior options here).

Plus by rethinking things like the sound system – with a powerful soundbar up front instead of speakers in the sides of the doors – there are fewer wires and components, meaning less waste. A handy side effect is more storage where the speakers used to be.

**Big on safety**

There are some smart new safety technologies housed within the EX30. Firstly, an airbag within the side of the driver’s seat, to protect the driver and passenger in the event of a side impact. Volvo pioneered side impact protection, this builds on that heritage, plus the safety cage, the A, B and C pillars, as well as the roof have been strengthened.

There’s also a new safety feature to help prevent ‘dooring’ accidents, alerting drivers and passengers when they are about to open their door in front of a cyclist, scooter or runner.

Inside the EX30 a new advanced driver alert system uses a special sensor designed to detect eye and face movements, as well as hands on detection in the steering wheel, to pick up on signs that the driver is distracted or drowsy.

Plus, for city driving, the new intersection auto brake function helps avoid collisions.

**Packed with tech**

The EX30 is the first Volvo to include the next generation of its Park Pilot Assist feature, making parking in tight spaces – parallel, curved, perpendicular and diagonal fishbone-style – a piece of cake. It will even identify any parking spots around you. Drivers tap the one they want, then supervise the parking process while the system operates the throttle, brakes and steering.

With Google built in and running the latest version of Volvo Cars’ infotainment system, using the same powerful processors as its larger siblings, the EX30’s dedicated app also contains all relevant services related to the car, from charging to finding your car in busy car park, to locking it and heating it on a cold winter day.

Plus, the EX30 is prepared to receive software updates over the air that will make it better over time.

Finally, the interior system comes with a choice of five different ambient lighting themes inspired by a different Scandinavian landscape and subtly shifting in colour. Drivers can even pair them with an ambient soundscape, taking Scandi mellowness to a higher state.

Set to arrive in Australia in early 2024, the Volvo EX30 will initially be made available in twin motor and extended range single motor variants.

To find out more, visit: https://www.volvocars.com/au/cars/ex30-electric/

You can also use Volvo Car Australia’s price calculator for the new EX30 here.

**Disclaimer**

*Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target.

**The lifecycle carbon footprint calculation of below 30 tonnes over 200,000 kms of driving is based on usage of charging electricity from the EU27 electricity mix. The lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car is related to globally available products over 200,000 kms of driving. Excludes biofuel vehicles

^Charging times are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

Digital key functionality subject to phone compatibility. UWB-based technology is scheduled to be rolled out next year via an over-the-air software update.

Features and services may not be available in all markets and will not be standard in all markets or for all models.