2024 Volvo EX30

Volvo EX30 Cross Country boasts rugged looks and blistering pace but there are trade-offs

VERDICT

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country has plenty going for it if you’re looking for an electric car with scintillating performance and a bit more visual flair. Its flaws are well documented, but this remains a fascinating and somewhat satisfying product that doesn’t like to follow the rules.

 
Volvo EX30 Gains ‘Major’ Software Update

Volvo SA has issued a major software update, which adds built-in internet connectivity and tech features, for the EX30.

Volvo South Africa has announced it has released over-the-air (OTA) software update 1.7.1 for the EX30. The update enables online maps and real-time charging information. Owners also receive built-in internet connectivity with all EX30s in South Africa and Lesotho, and a complimentary four-year connectivity package – the latter valid between November 2025 and November 2029. This allows new features to be added without requiring a visit to a workshop.

The update takes between 30 and 45 minutes to install and can be downloaded using the built-in internet connection. The EX30 now features new parking modes – Relax, Refresh, and Range – and enhanced adaptive cruise control when towing.

With real-time charging station data, such as charger availability and capacity, provided via the Volvo app and Google Maps, the EX30 can plan long-distance routes based on power usage and available charging stations.

 
Volvo EX30 recall issued after battery overheating concern

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of 372 Volvo EX30 vehicles in South Africa after a potential safety defect was identified in the vehicles’ high-voltage battery system.

The recall follows a notification from Volvo Car South Africa indicating that, in rare cases, the battery may overheat when charged to high levels, potentially leading to a thermal event and posing a fire risk.

According to the NCC, the affected vehicles include certain EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance models from the 2024 to 2026 model years, sold in Gauteng from 29 December 2025.

"The National Consumer Commission (NCC) notifies consumers about a recall of 372 Volvo EX30 vehicles, as notified by Volvo Car South Africa. This recall affects certain EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance Vehicles Model Years 2024 to 2026, which were sold from 29 December 2025 in Gauteng," the NCC said.

"According to Volvo Car South Africa, the recall is due to a potential issue with the high-voltage (HV) battery. In rare cases, the battery may overheat when charged to a high level, which could potentially result in a thermal event, posing a fire risk"

The commission advised affected consumers to limit their vehicle’s maximum charge level to 70% until a permanent fix is available and to arrange for inspection and repairs at authorised Volvo dealerships.

 
Volvo issues fire safety warning for 2025 EX30 electric SUV

Owners of the 2025 Volvo EX30 should keep a close eye on where they park tonight. Volvo has officially asked drivers of its smallest electric SUV to park outdoors and away from buildings. The safety warning comes after reports that the car's large battery could catch fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the issue, noting that the high-voltage batteries in some of these electric cars can overheat and short-circuit.

The Swedish automaker identified a specific problem with the battery cells. Inside the battery, a chemical reaction can cause small "lithium plating" to grow. These growths can lead to a short circuit, which creates a serious fire risk even when the car is turned off. To stay safe, Volvo tells owners to limit their charging to 70%. Keeping the battery at a lower charge level helps prevent it from getting too hot while the company works on a permanent fix.

Not that long ago, Volvo recalled over 400,000 other vehicles for camera issues, but this fire risk affects a much smaller group. In the United States, only 40 units of the 2025 EX30 built between September 6, 2024, and October 25, 2025, are part of this specific recall. The batteries in these cars were made by the Sunwoda Power Battery Company in China. If a car starts to have a problem, a warning message about "battery overheating" will show up on the driver's screen.

The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a small crossover designed to be an affordable entry into the world of EVs. It measures 4,233 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,555 mm tall. In the US market, the price for the base model starts at €29,830. Despite its small size, it packs a punch. The single-motor version produces 268 horsepower, while the dual-motor model delivers 422 horsepower and can reach 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

 
Big-battery Volvo EX30 owners warned not to charge unattended

Owners of Extended Range and Twin Motor models were previously told not to charge past 70%, due to fire risk

Owners of Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance versions of the Volvo EX30 have been instructed not to leave their cars unattended while charging indoors or in covered areas, due to a battery fire risk.

Volvo recently identified an issue with battery cells overheating in the long-range versions of the EV, which use a 69kWh pack comprising nickel-managanese-cobalt modules.

Cells that overheat can cause a fire that spreads to the rest of the pack, potentially igniting the rest of the car.

The new advice comes from discussions between Volvo and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), after the brand advised owners of these EX30s not to charge to more than 70% to mitigate the risk of fire.

A DVSA notice said: "Currently the investigation is still ongoing with the final service solution being developed."

Owners have been advised to limit the maximum charge level of their cars' batteries to 70% because, Volvo told Autocar, “the risk of this rare issue happening is significantly reduced below this level of charge”.

 
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