Volvo EX30 on test: This is how the Chinese Volvo drives

The EX30 is currently the cheapest with a starting price of 37,850 francs Volvo, although it is an electric car. The small crossover stands on a platform from parent company Geely, is built in China and will soon be the best-selling model in Sweden.

At 4.23 meters long, it is about 20 centimeters shorter than its bigger sister model, the EX40. So it is not suitable as a family car, but single people and couples should live well in everyday life, also because the trunk is very large at 318 liters. There is another small storage space under the front hood that holds the charging cable . There is room for three people in the back seat, but even two adults should be reduced. The lower back seat is more suitable for children.

If space is unusual for a Volvo, the environment is more so. This applies a little to the reduced cockpit, which can be described as open-Scandinavian, but instead of equipment and operation. The large areas of hard-recycled plastic that go into the doors and dashboard are not good for the brand.

Saving efforts that can be seen in many angles also take some getting used to. For example, Volvo is moving the window openers to the center console to save complexity and cable length. Only the driver’s door has a keyless sensor and the center console behind the steering wheel has also been omitted. If you want to read the speed, you have to look at the large vertical touchscreen in the center console – and that’s the case with Volvo, the guardian of road safety.

What is convincing, however, is the underlying capability: emissions-free driving. It starts with smart charging planning in the Android navigation system and continues with practical ranges and charging times suitable for everyday use. According to the manufacturer, up to 475 kilometers are possible with a 64 kWh battery. In practice, with a large number of roads, it was about 350 kilometers, but if you drive mainly in the city, you can also get closer to the road. 500 limit. The small battery (49 kWh) covers 337 km. The smallest Volvo does well when it comes to charging: an 11 kW charger is on board as standard, and a 22 kW model is available on top equipment. The Swedes promise up to 153 kW charging power on the fast charger (DC).

Overall, the Volvo EX30 is a very exciting model. Anyone who can get used to the reduced plastic interior and likes Android operation will find a comfortable, modern and well-equipped small crossover for everyday use and travel.