By Otsile Kadiege

Volvo Car South Africa is one of the automotive brands who are fast tracking the local introduction of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). In fact, the automaker’s local line-up has discontinued cars which are solely powered by petrol or diesel engines. Customers who are eyeing a new Volvo car can choose between plug-in hybrid or fully-electric models. The latest addition to the Swedish stable is the all-new and all-electric EX30 which will be available in five model derivatives.

Five model grade structure and performance

As mentioned above, the EX30’s local line-up consists of five model derivatives starting at just R775,900, making the new EX30 one of the most accessible electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. The base EX30 Core Single Motor boasts peak outputs of 200 kW and 343 Nm, facilitating a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.7 seconds. This rear-wheel-drive variant’s single-charge range comes in at 344 km on the WLTP cycle, courtesy of a high-voltage 51 kWh battery pack.

Next up is the EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range, which upgrades to a 69 kWh battery pack (the latter used across the remainder of the line-up), boosting a claimed WLTP range of 476 km. Though power and torque are unchanged, the 0-100 kph sprint improves to 5.3 seconds. The EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range employs the same powertrain, resulting in the same range.

Meanwhile, the EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance adds a second electric motor, raising peak outputs to a lofty 315 kW and 543 Nm. With a claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds, this all-wheel-drive powertrain – which is also employed by the range-topping EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance – makes the new model the fastest-accelerating Volvo yet. Single-charge range is a claimed 460 km (on the WLTP cycle) in both cases.

EX30 model grade equipment

The entry-level Core trim level is generous and includes several big-car features as standard, such as a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, rear park assist, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, 7 airbags and a raft of safety and driver-assistance features.

The mid-spec Plus grade adds items such as ambient interior lighting, wireless smartphone charging, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a heat pump and a power-operated tailgate, while also upgrading to 19-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels, two-zone climate control and front-and-rear park assist.

Finally, the flagship Ultra specification enjoys extra luxuries like a fixed panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, a 360-degree parking camera, Park Pilot Assist, a 22 kW onboard charger (up from 11 kW) and 20-inch five-spoke alloys.

EX30 pricing and warranty

EX30 Core Single Motor – R775,900

EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range – R865,900

EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance – R935,900

EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range – R965,900

EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance – R995,900

The EX30 comes with a 5-year/100 000km Volvo Warranty and Maintenance Plan, as well as 5-year/unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance, DataDot and Volvo On Call (SOS Roadside Assistance & 24/7 365 Personal Concierge). The battery pack is further covered by an 8-year warranty.