Volvo has a game changer in the EV market: fastest sprinting Volvo ever under R1m

[MR_Y]

Volvo has managed to bring in the new EX30 at under R1m. Granted, it will never handle like a sports car, but it sure does accelerate like one. Also, it will be interesting to see how the real world range is with all that performance on tap.

I won't buy this car, but a sign of the future perhaps.

Specs below

EX30 Core Single Motor R775 900
EX30 Plus Single Extended Range R865 900
EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance R935 900
EX30 Ultra Single Motor ER R965 900
EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance R995 900

From cars.co.za

The entry-level model features 200 kW and 343 Nm, and it’ll hit 100 kph in 5.7 seconds. Thanks to a lithium-ion phosphate battery with 54 kWh, a range of 344 km is possible based on the WLTP cycle.

You can go for the Single Motor Extended range model that replaces the 54 kWh battery with a 69 kWh unit that increases the performance (down to 5.3 seconds) and a range of 480 km.

If you’re wanting some serious performance, then the EX30 Twin Motor Performance should be your port of call. With 315 kW and 543 Nm driving all four wheels, a 0-100 kph of 3.4 seconds is possible. You’ll be penalised for the performance as the additional power, performance and weight reduces the battery range down to 460 km based on the WLTP cycle.

 

[///M Individual]

Very well priced compared to the other EVs in the country. Should sell well

 

[Spanky]

I quite like that!

 

[TBP88]

344km, even if we assume it only gets 60% (say 210km) of that consistently is still enough for almost any realistic daily commute - might become a very relevant car.

 

[Benji]

Interesting pub fact on this car: the base model gets a nickle/cobalt battery to save on costs, you only get a lithium battery when you opt for the larger battery model...

 

[SanM]

What’s the quarter mile on that Ultra Twin Motor?

 

[Spanky]

Interesting pub fact on this car: the base model gets a nickle/cobalt battery to save on costs, you only get a lithium battery when you opt for the larger battery model...

Had a read through the press release, which mentions what you reference, but in reverse. I wonder if someone hasn't messed up here...

To my knowledge, NMC is cheaper and has significantly lower cycle life when compared to LFP (LiFePO4).

I think someone in the PR deptartment fudged up.

 

[MR_Y]

"315 kW and 543 Nm driving all four wheels, a 0-100 kph of 3.4"

That's quicker than an A45s, and cheaper too.
But I guess handling will be very compromised, and after a few launches you will need a charge....

 

[MR_Y]

I chatted to my Volvo guy.
It seems that Geely (the Chinese parent) has helped with keeping the battery costs low.
Also, the car is designed to not have any gadgets in the doors (so the doors can be produced cheaply and quickly). All the window switches are in the centre tunnel. There are no door speakers - just a soundbar up on the dash.

Will be keen to see a proper review of this car. It is a small car (4.2m) but those performance stats are Tesla worthy...

 

[MR_Y]

If we had a stable power grid, the fuel savings alone on this car make it seem like a decent choice. Performance is just a bonus.

 

[Benji]

Had a read through the press release, which mentions what you reference, but in reverse. I wonder if someone hasn't messed up here...

To my knowledge, NMC is cheaper and has significantly lower cycle life when compared to LFP (LiFePO4).

I think someone in the PR deptartment fudged up.

You can imagine the resale value of the NMC batteries cars plummeting compared to the Lithium. Not sure why they went to the effort of doing something like this...

 

[Spanky]

You can imagine the resale value of the NMC batteries cars plummeting compared to the Lithium. Not sure why they went to the effort of doing something like this...

Agreed. I'd avoid any non-LFP models, especially secondhand.

 

[AshG108]

I happened to come across or rather it flew past me...an XC40 P8 Recharge Twin - This thing was a damn bullet ... my word....it flew and its 0 - 100km is 4.9s so i can only imagine how quick 3.6s will be for this car!

 

[MR_Y]

So, I dug a bit further as to why this car is so relatively cheap...

The car is basically a Geely (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeekr_X) with a Volvo badge on it. The Geely version will be sold mainly in China (which will also see the EX30) and other developing markets. The Volvo version will be sold in countries where Volvo is more familiar.

I chatted to a another Volvo guy and he explained that even though Geely acquired Volvo many years ago (from Ford), this is the first true badge engineering exercise. Geely is hoping that buyers will see the Volvo badge as being a sign of a true Volvo product, when it is actually a Geely.

Granted, Volvo did claim that they ensured stringent safety technologies were applied to this Geely product, but this car is not made by Volvo. This also explains why the Volvo-made XC40 Recharge costs significantly more than the EX30, even though it's only slightly bigger.

In the past, under Ford, Mazda and Ford shared the same platform, engines and gearboxes with some Volvo models. BUT, the Volvos were not made in Ford factories and they were engineered to be a bit heavier (more reinforcement for safety).

It will be interesting to see how the EX30 is like in the real world. I would caution against buying one for now until the first batch prove themselves.

 

[MR_Y]

First reviews seem good.
Main criticism is the central screen and there being no screen directly ahead of the driver.
Ride, handling and performance were highly rated.

The mid spec RWD, single motor model seems to be the sweet spot for handling and economy.

Will be interested to see how this car copes with the real world in SA...

 

[Kal23]

I drove the top-of-the-range version (XC 40). It's fun! Addictive! Instant torque. The interior is typical Volvo, very Swedishly decent

 

[MR_Y]

Well, being a Volvo fan, I am invited by Tom Campher Volvo for a test drive on the top dog EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance this Friday. This is the first batch of cars launched in SA.

Will post my review here.

 

[Spanky]

I look forward to your feedback!

 

[QikNish]

Had a volvo xc40 diesel. IMHO.... incredible cars. Let down by too small of a dealer network.

 

[MR_Y]

My review of the EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance:

Tom Campher Volvo invited me to test drive the first batch of EX30 cars to hit SA (the official launch was last week).

I drove the top dog AWD, EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance model. Priced just under R1m. The basic RWD, single motor, model comes in under R800k.

Bad points:
- Absolutely no rear space for adults over 1.8m.
- Central screen has ALL the car's functions and is finicky to use. The Speedo on that screen is very hard to see. Poorly designed and actually dangerous to use when driving fast. No HUD.
- Panoramic roof is fixed - cannot open.

Good points:
- F###ing quick. I drove it early morning through quiet suburbs and a bit of highway. Instant response. Didn't push high speeds, but acceleration is quick.
- Steering feel is better than my Porsche Macan S and also better than the electric steering system on my 981 Cayman S (steering feel, NOT handling feel). Steering feel/response can be adjusted on the screen. At the sportiest setting, the steering is darty and weights up nicely. The square steering wheel also adds to the sporty feel. Honestly, blown away on how well this car steers - feels like a go kart.
- Suspension absorption is good. Feels like a semi luxury car to drive over rutted tar. Car has 20 inch rims but rides better than that suggests.
- Handling (noting that I didn't drive it on a race track) is very good. Corners flat - not a sports car, but very good for a hatchback. Even though AWD, has slight rear bias feel around bends. Was not going fast enough to judge if it under/over steers at the limit. I suspect that that the single motor version, with RWD, and less weight up front may be an even better handling car. A well sorted hot hatchback.
- Even though recycled materials are used for the interior, everything felt well put together and solid enough.

Overall, I was impressed with the car. The rear space and central touch screen are negatives. A HUD would help with the central speedo issue.

I think Volvo missed a trick by not making this a little sports car instead of a small hatchback. The driving enjoyment and on road composure are there, and will be better suited to a coupe body style with a slightly lower ground clearance.

Anyway, a good effort from Volvo. I have not driven a BMW electric car to compare. However, I would say that the Volvo feels better than the base Porsche Taycan and the Jaguar iPace to drive spiritedly.

With SA's electric issues, the appeal of electric cars is limited. However, as a city car, and a short distance highway traveller, it works.

The car comes with a 5 year/100k maintenance plan and 8 year battery warranty. There is a rental/lease scheme for varying mileages/periods. The question of resale value is a real concern - globally, electric cars are not doing well compared to ICE cars.

I also posted a picture below of the Grid Cars network of chargers.

(For more space, Volvo does offer the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, but those are well over R1m)