Motoring22.02.2024

Photos — Volvo launches its fastest and most affordable electric car in South Africa

Volvo officially launched its most affordable electric vehicle (EV) yet — the EX30 — in Johannesburg on Thursday, 22 February 2024.

Volvo Cars South Africa CEO Greg Maruszewski said the compact SUV’s arrival was a big deal for the company and arguably its most important launch yet.

The EX30 is offered in single and dual motor models with two battery options.

These are divided into three trim levels — Core, Plus, and Performance — with five variants available in total.

Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Cars South Africa CEO, presents the Volvo EX30 in Johannesburg on Thursday, 22 February 2024.

The Core is the most affordable at R775,900, making it the third most affordable passenger EV on sale in South Africa at the time of publication.

That will get you the Core Single Motor model with one motor fitted on the rear axle, providing 200kW of output and 343Nm torque.

While it is the less powerful version, it will still take you from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

It also boasts a battery with 49kWh of useable capacity, providing up to 344km of range on the WLTP cycle.

Volvo EX30 in Crystal White from the rear.

The Core model’s highlighted features include adaptive cruise control, a Google operating system, and safe space technology with advanced exterior sensors.

While most EVs typically only achieve 70-80% of the WLTP range in realistic driving conditions, Carwow’s early review found the Single Motor model’s efficiency supported 88% of the WLTP range.

An extra R90,000 will get you the 64kWh battery pack in the EX30 Plus Extended Range with up to 480km on a single charge.

The Plus variants also come with additional features like a powered tailgate, high-level interior illumination, and air quality management and cleaning.

The Volvo EX30’s headlights are inspired by Thor’s hammer.

Volvo EX30 in Vapour Grey from the rear.

The most affordable Twin Motor version — the EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance — is priced at R935,900.

This variant gets you the same dual motors with 315kW of output power and 543Nm torque available on the top-of-the-line model.

That makes it capable of speeding up from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating production Volvo ever.

In between this model and the top-specced Ultra model is an Extended Range Ultra variant with the larger 64kWh pack.

The two Ultra models get the best line-up of features — including a panoramic roof, 360-degree cameras, and park assist.

The flagship Ultra Twin Motor Performance’s powertrain combines the dual motor and the larger battery pack.

All the standard range models support up to 134kW DC fast charging, while the extended range versions can charge at up to 153kW.

AC charging speeds top out at 11kW, with 22kW as an optional upgrade.

Volvo EX30 with Indigo interior

The fundamental interior and exterior designs of all five variants are the same, except for the colours and material finishes.

The Core is available with one of four exterior paint colours — Cloud Blue, Crystal White, Onyx Black, or Vapour Grey — and the Indigo interior finish. It also comes with 18-inch “Aero” rims.

The Plus and Ultra models get an extra Moss Yellow exterior paint option.

The Plus trim gets an additional Pine interior finish and comes with 19-inch Aero rims as standard and 20-inch as an optional upgrade.

The Ultra’s interior options are Breeze, Indigo, and Mist, and it gets 19-inch rims as standard.

All models feature a 12.3-inch combined driver and infotainment display.

12.3-inch combined driver and infotainment display in a Volvo EX30 with an Indigo interior.

Users can set shortcuts for various functions and apps above the bottom toolbar.

The car’s operating system features deep integration with Google services. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay.

The OS is powered by a high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, the same that will be featured in the larger 7-seater EX90 due to launch in South Africa later this year.

The Volvo EX30 is available to order online from the Volvo website or at Volvo dealerships nationwide from today.

Below are more photos of the EX30 models on display at the car’s official South African launch event in Johannesburg.