Volvo Launches Its All-Electric EX30 SUV

June 09, Italy: Volvo has launched its much anticipated SUV, EX30, with the UK being its first market where the model would be launched online. This SUV comes with a price of 36,000 euros that sets a benchmark for customers and competitors alike.

The EX30 is expected to initially go on sale in Australia, Japan, Thailand and Europe. The company claims that some buyers of EX30 will be new to the brand however, a majority of them will buy it as a second car. Volvo further claims that this SUV has the smallest carbon footprint out of all Volvo models till date, and yet no compromise has been made in terms of safety standards. The SUV is designed as per Volvo’s performance standards, to match its competitors. One of the top-spec of the car is that it goes from 0-100kph in just 3.6 seconds, making this SUV the fastest-accelerating Volvo till now.

Designed with Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights and on the basis of parent firm Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture ( SEA ) platform, the EX30 is 4,233mm long, with a closed-off grille. The model will be offered in five colour variants with wheels ranging from 18-20 inches. The interior is based on Volvo’s traditional design form, with the dashboard dominated by a 12.3-inch vertically mounted touchscreen. For entertainment, the SUV is designed with Volvo’s Google-based system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has a home audio-style soundbar that runs across the dashboard.

For interior storage, a centrally located dashboard glove box-style multi-function centre console is placed in the front and a removable storage box behind it. The interiors are designed using different recyclable and renewable materials.

The EX30 will be furnished with three powertrains and dual battery variants. The SUV features a rear-mounted 271hp motor along with a 51kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery and this chemistry is more cost-effective to produce, plus it gives a range of 342 km.

The single motor powertrain will also be offered in Extended Range form, using a 69kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, thereby extending the range to 474km, with a claimed efficiency of 6km/kWh. The same battery is also used in the top-spec Twin Motor Performance model, which provides a combined output of 427hp along with the addition of a second 158hp electric motor on the front axle.

The SUV’s Lithium Phosphate battery can be charged up to 134kW, while the NMC models can charge up to 153kW. As per the automaker group, the EX30’s body has been fabricated for nimble driving in urban environments, with a low centre of gravity and an even weight distribution.

Moreover, regarding this model, Volvo claims that it will be “as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo”. As per the set standards, the doors will feature an alert signal when a cyclist or pedestrian is passing by. The SUV has further been designed with ‘state-of-the-art’ restraint systems, including a new Park Pilot Assist function that can help to identify parking spots and operate in a wide range of spaces.

Post the launch of this SUV model, Volvo has continued to put a major focus on digital technology and has been consistently improving its models for being at the top in the global automobile market.