Cheaper than AA or we’ll beat it by 20%^
• Roadside cover from £5.49 a month*
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
Volvo’s first ground-up electric car is surprisingly compact and keenly priced. But is it any good? Lawrence Allan finds out in this review
Things you'll like
- Desirable, with premium touches
- Surprisingly affordable
- All versions are fast yet comfortable
Things to consider
- Practicality could be better
- User interface takes minimalism too far
- There are longer-range rivals
What is the Volvo EX30?
The EX30 isn’t just yet another electric SUV. For Volvo, it’s a landmark car breaking new ground in some key areas.
For starters, the EX30 is a small SUV. And when we say small, we mean it: it’s 20cm shorter than the next smallest Volvo on sale, and more compact even (in length at least) than the three-door C30 of the mid-2000s. In fact, it’s the shortest Volvo since the 1970s – a nice pub fact for you.
Secondly, it’s the Swedish brand’s first car designed to be an electric car from the ground up. Sure, the XC40 and C40 have been around with electric propulsion for some time, but they’re combustion-engined models adapted to battery power. The EX30 came before Volvo’s second pure EV – the huge EX90 that sits at the opposite end of the range in size and price.
Under the sleek, almost hatchback-like body of the EX30 is tech from Volvo’s parent company, Geely (also owners of Polestar, Lotus and Smart, among other brands). It’s based on the same platform as the Smart #1, which is a key rival. It’s also Volvo’s most affordable car, undercutting even base petrol versions of the XC40.
But is this small, low-cost Volvo a step too far for the brand? Or is it an attainable EV that’s well worth a look. We’ll find out in this in-depth review.
Verdict: is the Volvo EX30 a good car?
We reckon the Volvo EX30 is an appealing small electric SUV – and not just because it looks cool inside and out. It offers plenty of tech, good quality, a comfortable ride and seriously impressive performance for the money.
It charges quickly, too, but it’s a pity no version can offer over 300 miles of range. The ultra-minimalist cabin isn’t as user friendly as we’d like, either, and there are roomier options out there. Overall, though, the EX30 is a welcome addition to the competitive compact EV space.
Pricing, specs & rivals
The EX30 is a Volvo with a difference – most notably when it comes to price. Compared with, say, the Volvo C40 EV (which starts at well over £50,000) it looks to be a temptingly affordable offering.
As of January 2025, you’ll pay £32,850 for the entry-level EX30 Single Motor in Core spec. That’s fractionally more than a base MINI Aceman, Smart #1 and Kia EV3, but cheaper in list price terms than a Renault Megane E-Tech and only undercut by the Volkswagen ID.3 with its entry-level ‘Pure’ battery option.
Core trim comes equipped with plenty of kit as standard, too, including adaptive cruise control, the full suite of infotainment, heated front seats, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. That’s not including a suite of driver aids (detailed in the safety section, below).
Upgrading to mid-spec Plus trim brings the base price up to £34,400, adding niceties such as Scandinavian ambient lighting themes, additional interior lighting, a smartphone-based digital key, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors, an electric tailgate, wireless phone charging and Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.
On Core trim you can upgrade to the bigger-battery Extended Range model for an extra £4,700, while it’s £4,200 extra on Plus trim. Meanwhile, top-spec Ultra Trim is only available on Extended Range variants and above, priced from £42,350, with the Twin Motor Performance version adding £2,500 to that.
Ultra trim comes loaded with luxuries including a panoramic glass roof, self-parking, a 360-degree camera system, a heat pump, 20-inch alloys, a Harmon Kardon audio upgrade, electric front seats and an upgraded 22kW on-board charger.
Rivals
Volvo’s keen pricing means the EX30 is more closely aligned with mainstream competition, with no real premium-branded alternatives – unless you count the similarly-priced MINI Aceman.
Other rivals include the Smart #1, the Jeep Avenger, the Fiat 600e, the Peugeot e-2008 and the Hyundai Kona Electric, plus the new Kia EV3. We’d also consider hatchback alternatives such as the Renault Megane E-Tech, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3.
Volvo EX30: Interior comfort, quality & technology
Lots of cars have minimalist interiors these days, but Volvo was doing it way back in the early 2000s with cars like the C30 and S40. The EX30 has gone even further in this direction, which has its positives and negatives.
The positives? Well, the dashboard is clean and uncluttered, while Volvo’s material choices give it an upmarket air. That’s impressive given many of the elements you touch or sit on are made of recycled materials – recycled denim, wool blends with recycled polyester, even old PVC windows.
It’s worth noting that Ultra grade gives you more trim and material choices to feel further upmarket still, but even the lesser models set a good standard for quality, feeling more premium than alternatives from Hyundai, Kia and Jeep.
We’re less keen on the Volkswagen ID-style window switches. Designed to reduce wiring complexity, they’re built into the centre console and there are only two of them – a toggle button lets you switch between controlling the front and rear windows, which remains fiddly even when you’re used to it.
The EX30’s driving position is comfortable and widely adjustable, although it’s not especially SUV-like and some rivals offer better all-round visibility. Taller drivers might find their knees hit the dash, too, while lumbar adjustment isn’t standard until Ultra trim.
Infotainment, sat-nav, stereo and connectivity
This is where some of the negatives of the ultra-minimalist approach creep in. The most visible one in the EX30 is the lack of any instrument display in front of the driver: like a Tesla, everything is moved across to the central touchscreen.
This means you need to look away from the road for key information like your speed. While the speedo is in the top right corner of the screen, it would be much better if a head-up display was offered – while it’s standard on higher-spec Smart #1s, Volvo curiously doesn’t even offer it as an option.
Other irritations include having to set the position of the electric mirrors and activate the fog light through touchscreen controls, while the touch-sensitive panels replacing buttons on the steering wheel don’t consistently respond to your inputs.
That’s our gripes over, however. The EX30’s 12.3-inch touchscreen has crisp graphics, quick responses and a well-thought-out layout even without physical shortcut buttons. The software was co-developed with Google, so you get excellent Google Assistant voice control along with Google Maps as standard.
Although Android Auto isn’t offered, the system’s link to Google means several Android features are already included, while Apple CarPlay has been added as part of an over-the-air software update.
There are USB-C charging ports in the front, but you’ll need Plus spec to get ones for rear passengers. Wireless charging for two phones (again, Tesla-style) also comes with Plus models. Another quirk of the EX30 is that there are no speakers in the doors – you get a soundbar on top of the dash, which is upgraded to a 1040-watt Harmon Kardon version with a subwoofer in the boot on top-spec models.
How practical is the Volvo EX30?
When we say the EX30 is a small SUV, we mean it – even if it isn’t quite as tiny as a Jeep Avenger or MINI Aceman. The Volvo’s dimensions of 4.23m in length, 1,84m in width and 1.55m in height make it slightly longer and taller (but a good chunk wider) than a Renault Megane E-Tech.
Its relatively small size doesn’t compromise space in the front, with an airy feel, plenty of headroom and seats that adjust rearwards enough for even the longest of legs. The cabin’s decent width also means no elbow banging over the centre armrest.
It’s clear sacrifices have had to be made in the back, however. Headroom is at least about as generous as it is in the front, but legroom isn’t great– a pair of six-footers will fit behind front seat passengers of similar height, but they won’t be stretching out.
A high floor also means it’s difficult to squeeze your feet under the front seats, and despite a flat floor three people across the back would only work for very short distances. If the seats could slide back or recline to juggle boot space it would be less of an issue, but they can’t.
Overall the EX30 isn’t cramped – it’s slightly roomier than a Jeep Avenger or MINI Aceman, and about the same as a petrol-powered premium hatchback such as a BMW 1 Series. But cars like the Kona Electric, EV3 and ID.3 are considerably more accommodating in the back seats.
Storage and boot space
There are a few novel storage solutions in the EX30 to make the most of the space on offer. Most of these are concentrated around the centre console area.
First off, you won’t find a glovebox in the usual place (the passenger footwell), instead, it’s mounted below the centre of the dashboard. It’s useful and more accessible as a result, but we don’t like that you can only open it via the touchscreen, and it isn’t the largest.
Below that, there’s a chunky storage space compromising a pair of phone holders and a tray for storing loose items. It’s lidded, too, with more space underneath to keep things like wallets and keys away from prying eyes.
Above that, you’ll find the armrest in the usual place – but no cubby hole underneath it. Instead, pressing on the front of the armrest reveals cupholders that glide out in front.
It’s a nice touch – you can position it so one or both cupholders are accessible, while the cupholders themselves are rubberized with grips to secure small or big bottles. Finally there are the door bins, which are very deep but not the widest.
In the rear you’ll find much smaller (but still useful) door bins, pockets in the front seat backs and a handy slide-out cubby space in the centre console. What you won’t find is a centre armrest, which is a slightly disappointing omission. Still, the ISOFIX points are easily accessible and the door openings are large enough to cram in bulky child seats.
The seatbacks fold in a 60/40 split (par for the course at this price), with a standard adjustable boot floor to remove any load lip and leave some underfloor storage underneath.
The boot’s 318-litre capacity isn’t vast, but it’s bigger than the related Smart #1 as well as the MINI Aceman, but most rivals offer a larger outright capacity. Still, unlike some rivals the EX30 does have a small ‘frunk’ under the bonnet which can take the charging cables.
Performance & drive: What is the Volvo EX30 like on the road?
You can sum up the driving experience of the EX30 in two words: surprisingly fast. Even by EV standards, all versions offer impressive performance given this is a small, relatively affordable car.
And you don’t need to go for the all-singing Performance model to benefit: even the entry-level Single Motor model offers a level of acceleration to compete with a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Interestingly, the Extended Range model has a slightly faster quoted 0-62mph time than the regular Single Motor, despite having the same power output – again, both are plenty fast enough for the vast majority.
If you really are a speed freak then the Twin Motor Performance offers serious, Tesla-baiting acceleration with a 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds. It’s a powertrain borrowed from the Smart #1 Brabus, and it’s probably overkill on a car such as this.
Despite the instant punch on offer the well-judged throttle pedal means you’re not pogoing down the road just trying to drive smoothly, while the brake pedal is also nicely calibrated.
Not that you’ll need it if you activate the ‘one-pedal driving’ mode, which gives you strong regenerative braking as soon as you lift off the throttle. It’s a shame that Volvo doesn’t include paddles behind the steering wheel to easily adjust the level of regen braking through different modes on the fly – you’ll find that in a Hyundai Kona Electric, for example.
Power, 0-62mph times
- EX30 Single Motor: 272hp/ 5.7 secs
- EX30 Single Motor Extended Range: 272hp/ 5.3 secs
- EX30 Twin Motor Performance: 428hp / 3.6 secs
Ride and handling
Volvo doesn’t tend to err towards the sporty side with its models, even when they have rapid acceleration. The same is true of the EX30: even though it’ll fire towards the horizon at a startling rate, the suspension is tuned for an easy-going driving experience.
That’s not to say it doesn’t handle well. In fact, the EX30 feels composed and decently agile, with less body lean than the related Smart #1 and a more tied-down feel than a Hyundai Kona Electric. But the light steering detracts from any sense of what the front wheels are doing.
Arguably more important for a car of this type is ride comfort, and here the EX30 delivers. It’s more comfortable around town than most alternatives, with supple suspension taking the sting out of potholes and speed bumps, and also cruises very nicely out of town. Perhaps a Kia EV3 is slightly smoother still, but we’re splitting hairs.
It’s worth pointing out that, despite the incredible straight-line acceleration, the Twin Motor Performance model doesn’t get any chassis revisions to improve handling. That’s good because it’s still soft over bumps, but also means there’s no additional driver engagement beyond winning the traffic light grand prix.
Noise and refinement
The Volvo EX30 is a relaxing companion on motorway drives, with good isolation from wind and road noise for a car at this price point. On poor surfaces a touch of road roar is noticeable (particularly with larger wheel options) but it’s never intrusive.
The EX30’s electric motor is all but silent, too, and Volvo has resisted the urge to add any kind of artificial noise under acceleration. Some may prefer that, but some may like a bit of aural stimulation.
Euro NCAP: is the Volvo EX30 a safe car?
Volvo is as closely associated with safety as ham is to cheese, and the EX30 lives up to the brand’s high standards with impressive ratings from safety body Euro NCAP.
In crash testing the EX30 scored the maximum five-star rating, with very strong category scores of 88% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child protection, 79% for pedestrian protection and 90% for safety assists. That said, the closely related Smart #1 managed even higher occupant protection scores.
As you’d expect, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assistance and traffic sign recognition are all standard. Volvo also throws in rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist (which alerts occupants if they try to open a door into the path of a cyclist or car) and blind spot monitoring.
Every EX30 also has adaptive cruise control as standard, although we found the system could get caught out and apply the brakes for no reason even on the motorway.
Charging, range and running costs
The EX30’s range on a charge is good for its price, if not the most outstanding figure in this class. It’s also very dependent on which version you go for.
The entry-level Single Motor model might be temptingly affordable, but it’s well thinking about if it fits your typical journey profiles as the range isn’t vast: with a modest 49kWh (usable) battery pack, the official figure is 209 miles.
That’s longer than a base MINI Aceman, but falls short of most alternatives including the Aceman SE (which manages up to 252 miles with the same battery capacity) and Jeep Avenger. It is at least more than the entry-level Smart #1.
We reckon most people will be better off spending the extra on the Single Motor Extended Range – particularly if you intend to use the EX30 as your sole vehicle. Its 65kWh battery delivers a much more useful 295-mile range – further than any Smart #1, Jeep Avenger or Renault Megane E-Tech.
Nevertheless, as the longest range EX30 available it does fall behind key alternatives such as the Kona Electric (up to 318 miles) and Kia EV3 (up to 375 miles).
Option for the Twin Motor model does reduce the range to 280 miles from the same 65kWh battery. That’s not bad considering the immense performance, but is it really necessary? We don’t think so.
Range on a charge (WLTP figures)
- EX30 Single Motor: 209 miles
- EX30 Extended Range: 296 miles
- EX30 Twin Motor Performance: 280 miles
In terms of charging, the EX30 is very competitive. Even the Single Motor model manages a peak charging rate of 134kW, result in a 10-80% top up in 26 minutes using the fastest public chargers.
Option for the bigger battery ups the maximum charging rate to 153kW, but because the battery size increases it takes a couple of minutes longer to get to 80% charge. Still, it’ll charge faster than a Jeep Avenger or Hyundai Kona Electric.
As you’d expect there’s 11kW on-board charging as standard, but opting for Ultra trim with the bigger battery brings a rarity at this end of the market: 22kW on-board AC charging. While you won’t be able to charge at this speed at home, it’s useful for AC destination chargers to give you a full charge in less than four hours.
Charging speeds
(based on EX30 Extended Range. Figures from EV Database)
- 7kW charging: 10hrs 15mins
- 11kW/22kW charging: 7hrs/3hrs 30 mins
- 50kW rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 57 mins
- 150kW+ rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 25 mins
How much does the Volvo EX30 cost to insure?
The EX30 might not be the cheapest electric car to insure judging by the high insurance groupings relative to some rivals. Even the entry-level Single Motor Core sits in group 35, with the Extended Range model in group 37-38 depending on spec. The Twin-Motor Performance model sits in group 41.
While those insurance groups are considerably lower than, say, a Tesla Model Y, they’re noticeably higher than the MINI Aceman (that starts from just group 20) and the Jeep Avenger. They’re even higher than the Smart #1 which is closely related to the EX30, too. Part of that is down to the high performance that the Volvo offers.
Volvo EX30 FAQs
How much does the Volvo EX30 cost?
As of January 2025 prices for the Volvo EX30 start at £32,850 for entry-level Core, rising to £34,400 for Plus models and £42,350 for top-spec Ultra models.
Is the Volvo EX30 smaller than the XC40?
Yes, the Volvo EX30 is considerably smaller than the XC40. The EX30 is just 4.23m long, 1.55m tall and 1.84m wide, whereas the XC40 is 4.44m long, 1.66m tall and 1.87m wide.
When did the Volvo EX30 come out?
Volvo first revealed the EX30 back in June 2023. Production started in Zhangjiakou, China in the autumn of that year, with UK deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2024.
