As previously announced, the five-strong local line-up starts at just R775 900, making the new EX30 one of the most accessible electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. Despite its keen positioning, the newcomer lacks nothing in the performance department.
For instance, the base EX30 Core Single Motor boasts peak outputs as high as 200 kW and 343 Nm, facilitating a 0-100 km/h 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 WLTP range to 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 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 460 km (on the WLTP cycle) in both cases.

Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Car SA Managing Director, says the mix of performance and single-charge range on offer across the EX30 line-up means there’s something to suit all manner of customers.

“Rather than providing just a single powertrain-and-battery combination, we’ve opted to include a pair of battery sizes as well as both single- and twin-motor configurations, giving the customer as much choice as possible. Of course, there’s far more to the new EX30, since this model also sets new segment standards in areas such as safety, sustainability and specification,” said Maruszewski.

For example, even the base 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.

The EX30’s local launch will help to further cement Volvo Car SA’s already formidable presence in the fast-growing new-energy vehicle space, while also significantly enhancing accessibility to electric cars for many South Africans. Orders can be placed on the MyVolvo website.

Pricing

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.