With the EX30, Volvo is attacking in the league of small, fully electric SUVs. The Smart #1 technology brother joins the Swedish car manufacturer’s model range in terms of looks, offers new safety features and delivers a best ecological value.
The technology is quickly explained. The Volvo EX30 is based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) electric vehicle platform developed by Geely and therefore shares the technology with the Smart #1. With a length of 4.23 meters, the Sweden Stromer is the smallest Volvo SUV of all time. The fact that the otherwise sober Swedes also adhere to the motto “small but mighty” can be seen from the usury of performance. The Twin Motor Performance version with all-wheel drive and 315 kW / 428 hp hits the asphalt. Even if the Volvo EX30, weighing around 1.9 tons, is not an ultra-lightweight feather, one or two drivers will look around when the small e-crossover whizzes around their ears. But only up to 180 km/h, because that’s the end of it. The ability to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds is impressive. Even the rear-wheel drive basic variant is fast with 200 kW / 272 hp and 5.7 seconds.
There are interesting differences in the range and the batteries. In the entry-level model, lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP) with a capacity of 51 kilowatt hours (49 kWh net) provide the energy, which is good for a range of around 344 kilometers (WLTP), the other two models: Single Motor Extended Range ( Range up to 480 km) and the all-wheel drive version (range up to 460 km (WLTP) are equipped with NMC batteries (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) with a capacity of 69 kWh (net 64 kWh). .
But when it comes to sustainability in the Volvo world, a thoroughbred electric vehicle is no longer enough. The footprint must also be as small as possible. And that’s where the little one is really big in a brand comparison. The Volvo EX30 has the smallest CO2 footprint of all previous Volvo models: If you take the EU27 electricity mix as a basis, the footprint over the entire life cycle (200,000 kilometers driven) is less than 30 tons. So every EX30 contains 25 percent recycled aluminum, 17 percent each recycled steel and recycled plastics.
The recycling principle runs through the interior, paired with renewable materials. Four versions of the living room ambience are available: Mist, Pine, Breeze and Indigo. Depending on the equipment, you will find denim fibers in the decor for the dashboard and doors, which come from recyclable denim fabrics, braided flax or ground plastic waste from old window frames and shutters. Of course, the recycled PET bottles (rugs) and the knitted textile made from recycled polyester are also part of the concept.
When it comes to the interior, the Volvo designers remain true to their path of simple but handsome Scandinavian style. The Swedes apparently took a big sip from the Skoda bottle and came up with some clever solutions. For example, the central glove compartment is equally easy to reach for the driver and front passenger. The storage space between the two front seats is variable and partially illuminated. If you push the cup holder backwards, an extra compartment is created.
When it comes to the interior, the Swedes are taking the reduction one step further. An instrument cockpit is missing. A 12.3-inch upright tablet is the command center for most functions. Since the Scandinavian car manufacturer has gone to bed with Google, the EX30 is also operated using Android logic. If you absolutely don’t want to do without your iPhone, you can connect it wirelessly via Apple CarPlay. Compatible smartphones can also be used as vehicle keys. Over-the-air updates keep the software up to date.
A safety package comes with a new Volvo. The EX30 is no exception. So the Swedes are equipping the e-crossover with an improved version of the robo-driving assistant Pilot Assist, which supports the driver when overtaking trucks. The Volvo also masters automatic parking. Cyclists will be pleased that the sensors on the small Volvo also keep an eye on the smaller two-wheelers when they get out and warn the passengers as soon as a self-proclaimed Tour de France winner whizzes by. An intersection brake assistant, which prevents collisions with oncoming vehicles when turning, supplements the safety concept, which is primarily aimed at urban environments.
In addition to the Smart #1, the Volvo EX30 will also make life difficult for the upcoming Mini Countryman Electric. It is worth taking a look at the price list for the technology brothers Smart and EX 30: The Smart starts with the Pro+ variant at 42,490 euros (66 kWh battery, 200 kW / 272 hp, 420 km range), the top version Brabus beats it 48,990 euros to book (all-wheel drive, 315 kW / 428 hp, 400 km range). The Smart #1 in the premium version with rear-wheel drive has a maximum range of 440 kilometers. The Core version of the Volvo EX30 costs 36,590 euros, the Single Motor Extended model costs at least 41,790 euros and the Twin Motor Performance AWD is available from 48,490 euros. Early next year, the EX30 is at the dealer.
Source: Stern
I’m a recent graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. I started working as a news reporter for 24 Hours World about two years ago, and I’ve been writing articles ever since. My main focus is automotive news, but I’ve also written about politics, lifestyle, and entertainment.
