From the moment it debuted earlier this year, Volvo’s new EX30 has been my most anticipated electric vehicle of 2024. The compact SUV promised ample range, Scandinavian style and exciting performance for a price and value that turned heads quicker than its claimed 3.4-second 0- to 60-second sprint. Having driven the new EX30 for myself, I can say that Volvo’s smallest SUV, while not perfect, is quite good and should be well worth the wait.
The new EV value king?
Cars have risen in price over the last few years. While researching our guide to the least expensive electric cars and SUVs, I learned that the average new vehicle transaction price in the US has climbed to around $48,000 which is 24% more than the September 2020 average. And electric cars are even more expensive, averaging around $50,683 — a number that is sure to climb as the current least expensive and best selling EVs, Chevrolet’s Bolt EV and EUV, cease production later this year. So when Swedish automaker Volvo saunters in with a $36,245 starting price (including the $1,295 destination charge), build quality and range that look this good, I take notice. And so should you.
One motor, more range
Every Volvo EX30 that arrives on US roads will be powered by a 69 kWh battery pack (64 kWh net usable), but prospective owners will have their pick of two electric motor configurations. The “single motor extended range” setup makes use of — you guessed it, a single 200-kilowatt motor driving the rear-wheels to the tune of 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. It’ll electric slide its way from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, or it can cruise for up to 275 miles of range, depending on how aggressive you are with the accelerator.
