Volvo EX30 Single Motor

Overview

The Volvo EX30 Single Motor is a cracking little electric SUV, punching above its weight with minimalist Scandi design and a focus on sustainability. It’s Volvo’s smallest and most affordable EV, aiming to attract younger buyers to the brand. Key highlights for this zippy rear-wheel-drive trim include its agile handling and surprisingly punchy performance for city duties and beyond. New, expect prices around €39,790 in the EU, with used examples starting near €30,960, making it a compelling entry into premium electric motoring.

What's New for 2025?

For the 2025 model year, the Volvo EX30 Single Motor continues to build on its strong launch foundation. Major overhauls aren't expected as it's still fresh on the scene. Focus remains on software enhancements via over-the-air updates, potentially refining the Google-based infotainment and driver assistance features. Volvo is also rolling out wireless Apple CarPlay support, which many will cheer for. European buyers will mostly see the same compelling package, with any minor tweaks likely focusing on efficiency or feature availability across the streamlined trim structure.

Design & Exterior

The EX30 Single Motor screams modern Volvo with its closed-off grille, pixelated "Thor's Hammer" headlights, and clean, uncluttered lines. It's a compact SUV, measuring 4233 mm in length, 1838 mm in width, and 1550 mm in height, making it perfect for tight city streets. The design is refreshingly minimalist yet purposeful, with a chunky, confident stance. This trim often features stylish aero-focused wheels contributing to its eco-credentials. The split taillight design is also a distinctive touch, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the EX30 Single Motor boasts a radically minimalist cabin, centered around a single 12.3-inch portrait tablet controlling almost everything. Materials cleverly use recycled and renewable sources, feeling premium yet eco-conscious. Space is decent for a small SUV, seating five. You get a 318-litre boot, expanding to 843 litres with seats down, plus a handy 7-litre frunk for cables. The Google-based infotainment is slick, with Google Maps and Assistant built-in, and now supports wireless Apple CarPlay alongside Android Auto connectivity, keeping you plugged in.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Single Motor EX30, with its rear-wheel-drive setup, is surprisingly nippy! It packs a 200 kW PMSM motor delivering a healthy 343 Nm of torque, launching you from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 5.7 seconds. It’s not just about straight-line shove; it feels agile and fun to thread through city traffic, with direct steering. Ride comfort is generally good, though can feel a bit firm over rougher stuff. One-pedal driving is well-implemented, making urban crawls a breeze and helping to recoup energy efficiently.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Single Motor EX30 features a 49 kWh (usable) battery pack. Green Cars Compare's calculated real-world range estimate is around 292 km, with an efficiency of about 5.96 km/kWh, which is decent for its class. For charging, it uses the common CCS Type 2 port. At home or work, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can top it up overnight. When you're out and about, it can guzzle electrons at up to 175 kW on a DC fast charger, meaning a 10-80% top-up can be done in under 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Volvo's reputation for safety shines through, with the EX30 achieving a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. The Single Motor trim comes generously equipped with standard safety kit. This includes Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring (BLIS), collision avoidance systems with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake. Park Assist Pilot and a 360-degree camera are often available, sometimes as part of optional packs, further bolstering its safety credentials in tight spots.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volvo generally offers a solid warranty package for the EX30 in Europe. Expect a comprehensive vehicle warranty, typically for 2 to 3 years with mileage caps around 100,000 km, varying slightly by country. The crucial high-voltage battery is covered for a more extensive 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (usually to 70% capacity). The electric powertrain components often align with the battery warranty. Scheduled maintenance is minimal for EVs, focusing on checks rather than frequent part replacements, keeping running costs down.