Volvo unveiled a new all-electric EX30 compact SUV via a global livestream with competitive pricing for the South African market, due early 2024. It will also be one of the more affordable EVs on the local market. Volvo describes the EX30 as “the perfect combination of luxury, affordability and safety”.

The new compact ‘baby SUV’ EX30 has the smallest CO2 footprint on a Volvo – 25% less than the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge EVs – and comes with its smallest EV price tag yet, starting at R775 900. It is also the fastest-accelerating Volvo to date, which goes from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds on the 315kW Twin Motor Performance variant.

At the time of publishing, Mini is regarded as the ‘cheapest EV’, or rather ‘least expensive’ at R681 000 without extras. Time will tell if the third-gen Cooper SE will match Volvo’s battery/range and pricing. Two Chinese EV models slated for launch in 2023 in SA include the GWM Ora, which the company announced will sell for R716 900; and Build Your Dreams (BYD) Atto 3, which is expected to launch in June 2023.

Moss Yellow on the EX30 performance model

At a media event in Johannesburg following the global reveal, Volvo announced the new EX30 model will open for pre-order on 8 June in South Africa through the MyVolvo.co.za portal. There will be five models on offer that will all come in at under R1 million. It will be available in five colours: vapour grey, onyx black, crystal white, cloud blue and moss yellow.

Key features on the EX30 include a minimalistic cabin made with recycled materials including a leather-free interior, characterised by its 12.3-inch centre display that runs natively on Android with Google Maps, Assistant and the Play Store built-in.

It features seamless connectivity through a Digital Key, a Google EX30 app, over-the-air updates, 5G connectivity, a 1000W Harman Kardon premium sound including a soundbar inside the vehicle – a first not just for Volvo but any car.

Volvo Charging Modes
There will also be different charging modes on the models:
Mode 2: AC charging with 3 pin plug cable, max 3.5kW
Mode 3: AC charging with a wallbox, max 11kW (Core), max 22kW (Plus & Ultra)
Mode 4: DC charging: max 134kW (Core), 153kW (Ultra & Plus), which goes from 10%-80% in 26.5 minutes, according to Volvo.

Volvo South Africa MD Greg Maruszewski says: “We worked exceptionally hard to set EX30 pricing at what is unquestionably an extremely competitive level, granting South African consumers the opportunity to own a fully electric SUV for the price of a similarly sized internal combustion engined vehicle. Of course, the EX30 also offers all the luxury features you would expect from a Volvo, not to mention breath-taking levels of performance.”

The introduction of the EX30 is a step closer to Volvo’s commitment to offer a fully electric lineup globally by 2030.