South Africa is due to receive a new electric SUV soon. The Volvo EX30, announced this afternoon, is being billed as one of the country’s most affordable EVs. Granted, that’s not hard to do, but a starting price for the new compact SUV of R776,000 has it in the running for the best-priced (known brand) electric vehicle in the country.
‘Compact’ is the operative word when describing Volvo’s newest vehicle, though that’s also a relative term for the range. The petrol-driven XC90 measures almost five metres from end to end. By comparison, the EX30 features dimensions of 4,233mm x 1,836mm x 1,555mm (l x w x h). Still, the automaker reckons it can still impress with less.
Release the EX30
In terms of what you can expect from the new EV, a glance back at the Volvo C40 Recharge will give you some idea of what’s coming. Most, if not all, of the safety features are making the jump. In a smaller package, sure enough, but that’s no reason to complain. It’s not how large the car is, it’s how it performs that counts.
And performance is looking impressive. There are two different options coming to SA — single and dual motor models are inbound. Both options have either a 51 kWh or 69 kWh battery, which will determine your range. If you go big, you can expect up to 480km on a charge. If, that is, you keep your foot off the accelerator. The top-end model, the 315 kW Twin Motor Performance option, will set you back around a million bucks but it’ll also confer the ability to go from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds.
Inside is similar styling to the Volvo C40 Recharge. Recycled materials are used for the interior, but it’s the tech that you should be checking out. The console will be dominated by a 12.3in touchscreen display, running an Android-based OS. OTA updates are baked in but some of the other trim options may depend on what you select at the dealership. Volvo is offering Core, Plus, and Ultra options which are set apart by some of the fancier features. The high-end parking assist is reserved for the Ultra option but digital keys (if that’s your thing) are available across the range.
Volvo Car South Africa MD Greg Maruszewski said in a statement, “Since the new EX30 excels in areas as varied as performance, sustainability, and safety, the broad range is able to meet the needs of all types of buyers, all at once. In short, it’s the consummate all-rounder that can be specified to suit virtually any individual customer.”
If you’re keen on putting a Volvo EX30 in your driveway, you’ll be able to pre-order one in South Africa from tomorrow, 8 June.