Could this new compact all-electric Volvo EX30 come to Malaysia below RM200,000?
Volvo Car is on a quest towards full electrification and key to this push is to introduce more affordable electric vehicles while still retaining brand value. Today, the company has shown their most compact and affordable electric vehicle yet – the Volvo EX30.
Keeping in the new nomenclature and design language of the EX90, the EX30 will be available from 36,000 euros or via a subscription plan. Volvo Car Malaysia were very quick to locally-assemble both the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and C40 Recharge Pure Electric. Perhaps the EX30 will be their next CKD EV project and maybe it’ll be priced at RM200,000? Let’s wait and see!
Despite going down in size, it still retains a long wheelbase, large wheels and equal overhangs. The Volvo electric ‘closed’ grille, digital Thor’s Hammer headlights design highlights here. Only five colours will be available at launch, including the expressive Cloud Blue and Moss Yellow.
Return Of The ‘Cross Country’ Volvo
Before the current range of Volvo Cars came about, the company had pioneered a ‘Cross Country‘ variant of some of their vehicles. Starting next year, the Volvo EX30 will bring the Cross Country option back for the fans.
This version will come with more ground clearance, a set of 18″ or 19″ wheels with bespoke tyres, black panels on the front bumper and boot lid as well as skid plates on the front, rear and side. A hood-mounted Swedish flag has also been added for a touch of flair.
Multiple Powertrain and Battery Options
The Volvo EX30 will be available with multiple battery and motor options and it will be up to the customer to decide which to pick.
Those who spend most of their commute time in the city and have shorter journeys between chargers should go for the single motor EX30 with an lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) standard-range battery. LFP batteries are more cost-effective and less resource-intensive but lack maximum range.
Those looking for maximum range between charges should opt for the Single Motor Extended Range model which comes with an NMC extended-range battery. NMC batteries are more energy-efficient than LFP batteries and feature lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt. This version has a maximum range of 480km, which isn’t particularly impressive.
There’s also a combination for those who want maximum performance – combine the NMC battery with a second electric motor. This gives you 428hp of total power and a 0-100km/h time of just 3.6 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating Volvo in the company’s history.
DC Fast Charging rates range between 134kW to 153kW, depending on battery type and configuration. It’s not the fastest charging EV out there, but a 25 minute charge should get the EX30 from 10% to 80%.
Interesting Features on the Volvo EX30
Volvo will be integrating digital key functionality to make it easy to share the cars with others. A dedicated car app will have all the relevant car-connected services. There will also be five different ambient lighting themes, each inspired by a different Scandinavian landscape.
Safety is at the core of Volvo Cars, so naturally, the EX30 gets some special attention here. One special safety system alerts you when bikes are cycling up to you before you open the door to prevent an unwanted accident while stationary.
Volvo’s latest version of Park Pilot Assist allows you to handle all types of parking spaces, including parallel, curved, perpendicular, and diagonal fishbone style. This version operates the throttle, brake and steering while the driver supervises the entire process.
In terms of tech, Volvo are working closely with Google, Apple, Qualcomm, ECARX and HaleyTek to make sure the experience is second to none.
