Volvo EX30

Volvo moves one market niche smaller to bring in younger, climate-conscious buyers Volvo is aiming for a change of gear on its path towards electrification with the Volvo EX30: a small car that, it’s hoped, can have a big impact on Gothenburg’s sales mix.Its maker is already aiming for half of its global sales to be of all-electric models by 2025. In order to hit those marks, however, it needs affordable electric models like this – but, moreover, it needs people to buy them in greater numbers than they are currently. The penetration of EVs, in many western markets including the UK, is stuck at between 15% and 25%, and not for the want of an increasing number of more affordable all-electric options.So the commercial challenge facing this car looks significant. For the next couple of thousand words, however, we will concern ourselves with whether the Volvo EX30 is the kind of electric car that deserves to drive adoption, and ultimately to succeed, in the first place.It is the first of a new breed of Volvos for more reasons than one: not just because it is the smallest in decades (since the Volvo-DAF 300 series of the 1970s, in fact), nor because it is the first Volvo designed exclusively for electric power (not counting the XC40-derived C40 crossover-coupé), but also because it’s based on an all-new platform developed fully in the firm’s current, Geely-controlled corporate era.Range at a glance VERSIONPOWERSINGLE MOTOR PLUS268bhpSINGLE MOTOR EXTENDED RANGE PLUS268bhpTWIN MOTOR PERFORMANCE PLUS423bhpCROSS COUNTRY423bhpThe EX30 model range runs from a little over £33k to a little over £47k, before options. The car can be had with a 51kWh or 69kWh drive battery, and either one primary rear-mounted drive motor or one per axle. Volvo offers four de facto model trim levels: Core, Plus, Ultra and Cross Country.A mid-level single-motor car comes with 11kW AC charging, 19in alloy wheels and manual seat adjustment. Stumping up for an Ultra gets you 22kW three-phase charging potential, 20in wheels, a panoramic glass roof and electric seat adjustment.Single motor cars are rear-wheel drive, whereas twin motor cars are four-wheel drive, with the front one less potent than the rear.

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Volvo EX30

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