The All-Electric Volvo EX30 SUV: The Complete Guide For The UK

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Overview

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Sweden has created its fair share of global brands, but none with a reputation as good as Volvo Cars, when it comes to passenger safety. Volvo cars is an automotive manufacturer based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Volvo Group has a long history of success and was established in 1927.

Since then the company has had multiple owners, to include the US based, Ford Motor Company. Its current owner is a Chinese automotive behemoth, Geely Automobile, which acquired Volvo Cars in 2010. Geely also owns the automotive brands Lotus Cars and Polestar. 

Volvo Cars was one of the first mainstream OEM’s to commit to a push towards zero-emission road transportation. In 2017, the company announced its intention to ‘electrify every car in our range’.  Volvo is not new to ‘electric propulsion’ and has already deployed a test fleet of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2010 and had launched the first plug-in hybrid diesel cars in 2012.  

The automotive manufacturer has an ambition to achieve 50% sales from pure electric cars and the remaining 50% from plug-in hybrid electric cars by 2025. The company is also committed to becoming ‘climate neutral’ across the value chain by 2040. The Volvo electric vehicle (EV) current portfolio includes:

• C40 Recharge Pure Electric Crossover
• Volvo EX90 Pure Electric SUV
• Volvo EX30 Pure Electric SUV
• XC40 Recharge Pure Electric SUV
• XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
• XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
• XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
• S60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
• S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
• V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate
• V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The All-Electric Volvo EX30 SUV

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The all-electric EX30 is Volvo’s fourth pure electric crossover/ SUV. Maybe a late entrant to the Volvo path to a fully electrified portfolio, but no less important. In fact, the EX30 has the potential to become a defining vehicle for the Swedish automotive manufacturer and potentially the EV industry.

The EX30 e-SUV is well positioned to capitalise on two major current trends in the automotive industry. The first, the unabated demand for electric SUVs, and the second, the shift towards more compact vehicles. The EX30 incorporates both these trends.

It is the smallest SUV from Volvo, and built on a purpose-designed EV platform. By way of comparison, the larger sibling, the all-electric EX90 is just over 5m in length (5037mm), compared to 4.2 m (4233mm) for the EX30. Even compared to the all-electric C40 Recharge (length: 4440mm), the EX30 remains the most compact Volvo SUV.

Volvo is not the only automotive manufacturer to capitalise on the the trend to launch compact SUVs/ crossovers. The likes of Hyundai, Kia, Jeep (Avenger), BYD (Atto 3), Fiat (600e), Smart (#1) are just some of the OEMs vying for this segment.

In fact, the all-electric Smart #1 compact SUV and the EX30 have commonality, given that both companies are owned by the same parent (Geely Automobile). Having said that, both EVs differ in design and styling! Volvo has stamped its minimalistic approach in both, the interior and exterior styling of the EX30 EV.

We encourage OEMs to continue to develop and launch smaller zero-tailpipe emission electric cars. Smaller vehicles are not only better for the environment (smaller carbon footprint), but also reduce the congestion on our roads and neighbourhoods.

It is not only the compact size of the EX30 that has caught the attention of potential buyers, but it is also the more affordable pricing. The Volvo EX30 starts at £33,795, making the SUV a compelling ‘value for money’ proposition for families seeking affordability and quality. The EV has already been awarded, the Car of The Year by the Sun and Small SUV/ Crossover of the Year in the News UK Motor Awards. We can also expect a cheaper variant, the EX30 ‘Core’ to follow in due course.

But do not be in a haste to conclude that smaller SUVs are only for those families living in dense city centres. In fact, the EX30 offers real-world practicality for families living in both, urban or rural environments. The Volvo EX30 is available in two EV battery sizes: 51 kWh and 69 kWh.

For the 51 kWh EV battery, Volvo claims an electric range up to 213.8 miles (WLTP) and up to 295.8 miles (WLTP) for the 69 kWh EV battery. Do keep in mind that more than half the vehicles in the UK travel less than 100 miles per week! But this should not come as a surprise, as most of our journeys are short commutes. The average trip in the UK is less than 10 miles: local high street, school runs, gym, shopping etc.

Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, both EV battery sizes have much to offer. For the 51 kWh expect a range closer to 180 miles and for the 69 kWh, 250 miles will be more realistic. For those families or company-car owners that travel longer distance on a frequent basis, we would recommend the 69 kWh EV battery option.

The Single-Motor (51 kWh) variant has an LFP EV battery which uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry. According to Volvo, this battery technology is ‘more cost-effective and less resource-intensive’ to manufacturer. The larger 69 kWh EV battery uses a NMC EV battery, which incorporates lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt.

The EV offers DC charging up to 175 kW DC. Appropriate, given the size of the onboard EV battery. The 51 kWh can achieve 10% to 80% charge in 26 minutes, while the 69 kWh EV battery can be charged up to 80% in 27 minutes. Like other Volvo electric cars, the EX30 e-SUV incorporates an 11 kW AC (three-phase) onboard AC charger as standard.

For those with access to three-phase EV charging at home or the workplace, it will take up to 6 hours to fully charge the 51 kWh EV battery, while the 69 kWh EV battery will take up to 8 hours for a 100% charge. Given that most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply, most of us will not be able to take advantage of the three-phase onboard AC charger. Single-phase EV charging (7.4 kW) will take longer (9.5 – 11 hours!).

We recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, charging times are shorter and it also helps with the long-term health and maintenance of the EV battery. Volvo offers as standard 8 years or 100,000 miles EV battery warranty.

The Volvo EX30 is available in three motor and EV battery options. The entry-level EX30 Single Motor with the smaller 51 kWh EV battery, the Single Motor Extended Range with the larger 69 kWh EV battery and the top-of-the-range, EX30 Twin Motor Performance with the 69 kWh EV battery. Both the Single Motor variants are rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the Performance variant is an all-wheel drive (AWD). For the RWD the single electric motor is mounted on the rear axle.

The Twin Motor Performance (AWD) can achieve 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds (maximum power: 428 HP/ torque: 543 Nm). The entry-level Single Motor (RWD) can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds (maximum power: 272 HP/ torque: 343 Nm). While the middle-of-the-range, Single Motor Extended Range (RWD), can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds (maximum power: 272 HP/ torque: 343 Nm).

The top speed for the EV is 112 mph. The performance for the Twin Motor is certainly impressive and makes the EX30 the fastest Volvo electric car. Of course, the electric car also benefits from instant torque and also offers one-pedal driving. The EV has a towing capacity up to 1,600 kg.

Volvo has kept the exterior styling close to its core ‘minimalism’ design philosophy. It is certainly appealing and is available in five exterior colours. Our favourite colour is the Moss Yellow! The interior also remains minimalistic, which no doubt is appealing. However, the lack of physical controls is unwelcome. Thankfully, the EV has a glove compartment, so often missed in the latest-generation of electric cars.

The interior is available in four nature-inspired options (Breeze, Mist, Pine, Indigo), made from renewable and recycled materials. This is now becoming a common approach with most global automotive manufacturers.

According to Volvo, “we managed to reduce its total carbon footprint over 200,000 kms of driving to below 30 tonnes”. The company claims 25% of all aluminium, 17% of all steel and plastics used in the EX30 are recycled. For the interior up to 25% is recycled materials.

The five-seater five-door e-SUV, though practical, can be a squeeze for taller adults seated at the rear. More in terms of legroom than headroom. Having said that, for families with younger children, the rear seats are spacious. The EV also has a frunk (front storage compartment), perfect for storing the EV cable. The EV offers a 318 L boot space, with a power-operated tailgate. The boot space can be increased to 622 litres with the second row seats folded down.

Though the EV has yet to be awarded a Euro NCAP rating, one can assume that this latest electric vehicle (EV) is also ‘built’ on Volvo’s enviable reputation for safety and relatability.

The EX30 offers a host of safety features and driver aids. Some of these include: lane departure warning, door opening alert, driver alert system, pedestrian and cyclist steering avoidance, intelligent speed assist (ISA), collision avoidance and mitigation, park pilot assist, traffic jam assist and more!

The EV incorporates a 12.3-inch centre display, Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store (included for 4 years). Also compatible with Apple CarPlay. The EV does not incorporate a conventional instrument cluster. A pity!

Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax charge for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!

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PROS	CONS
Value for money. Practical and good quality	Lack of physical controls
Available as RWD and AWD. Impressive performance!	Rear seats can be a squeeze for taller adults
Good looking and technology filled	Heat pump not standard on all variants

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The All-Electric Volvo EX30 SUV (credit: Volvo)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):	Not Available
Engine:	Electric
Available In UK:	Yes

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Variants (3 Options)
Volvo EX30 Single Motor (from £33,795)
Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range (from £38,545)
Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance (from £40,995)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	LFP/ NMC
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in two battery sizes: 51 kWh/ 69 kWh
Charging:	175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 26-27 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 6-8 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:	8 years or 100,000 miles

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Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh	£2.40
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh	£4.32
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh	£5.64
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh	£6.48
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh	£7.20
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh	£9.22
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh	£10.22
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh	£11.09
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh	£12.96
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh	£14.40

• Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
• Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1555
Width (mm):	1836
Length (mm):	4233
Wheelbase (mm):	2650
Turning Circle (m):	11.0
Boot Space (L):	318

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Volvo EX30 Single Motor
EV Battery Capacity:	51 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	213.8 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	16.7
Charging:	175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 26 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 6 hrs)
Top Speed:	112 mph
0-62 mph:	5.7 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	200
Horsepower (hp):	272
Torque (Nm):	343
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Weight (kg):	1,840
Colours:	5
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range
EV Battery Capacity:	69 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	295.8 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	17.0
Charging:	175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 27 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs)
Top Speed:	112 mph
0-62 mph:	5.3 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	200
Horsepower (hp):	272
Torque (Nm):	343
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Weight (kg):	1,850
Colours:	5
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance
EV Battery Capacity:	69 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	279.6 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	17.5
Charging:	175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 27 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs)
Top Speed:	112 mph
0-62 mph:	3.6 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	315
Horsepower (hp):	428
Torque (Nm):	543
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Weight (kg):	1,960
Colours:	5
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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