On June 7th, 2023, Volvo Cars held a keynote event in Milan, Italy, where they unveiled the world premiere of their next-generation premium compact electric SUV, the Volvo EX30.
The EX30 is Volvo’s first premium compact SUV and the fourth model in their lineup of purely electric vehicles. This model was developed to meet the new customer demand in line with the rapidly growing global trend towards electrification.
Designed with Scandinavian principles of making life safer, more convenient, and enjoyable, the EX30 maintains a high level of safety and branding experience typically found in larger models despite its compact size. Moreover, it achieves the lowest CO2 emissions among Volvo models by meticulously selecting materials and minimizing carbon emissions throughout the entire production and product lifecycle.
Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, stated, “Our new pure electric car, the EX30, holds a greater significance than just being the smallest SUV for our customers and the brand. We have encapsulated everything expected of Volvo into a smaller package, making it small yet powerful. Like other models, it is designed with safety as a priority and focuses on human needs and their desires.”
The EX30 captures Volvo’s long-standing design values in a more compact form. Its confident face, closed shield, and digital version of the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights emphasize the unique character of a pure electric vehicle. Additionally, the long wheelbase, equal front and rear overhangs, and large wheels enhance its balance and elegance. Available in five exterior color options, from ‘Cloud Blue’ to a bright and expressive ‘Moss Yellow’ inspired by the moss growing on rocks along Sweden’s west coast, it provides striking individuality.
The interior offers four distinct room options, all pursuing a sustainable approach. These include materials like ▲recycled denim that encapsulates timeless charm, ▲recycled plastics derived from waste like old window frames and roller shutters, ▲flax-based composite fibers from Swiss natural fiber processing company Bcomp, in which Volvo’s tech fund invested, ▲wool blends responsibly sourced with 70% recycled polyester, and ▲knit materials made from recycled plastics. An innovative new ‘Nordico’ material made from bio-based materials from Swedish and Finnish forests and recycled PET bottles is also introduced.
Inspired by Scandinavian landscapes, the interior features five ambient light themes that gradually change tones and shades, designed to harmonize with the ambient soundscapes.
A soundbar that stretches across the entire width of the dashboard and smart storage features are included, providing a new spatial experience akin to being in a higher-end model despite the compact design.
Drawing inspiration from home audio systems, the EX30’s soundbar exemplifies a smart design that integrates multiple speakers typically located in the doors into one unit, allowing for more storage space while reducing unnecessary use of resources. Adding a Harman Kardon high-end sound system provides outstanding quality audio that fills the entire interior from the front.
The glovebox, typically positioned on the passenger side, has been relocated below the center screen to utilize spare space provided by a flat floor, making it easily accessible for both the driver and passengers. The center console employs a sliding system to store drinks or smartphones as needed.
Furthermore, there’s an open space for bags and additional storage for smaller items like sunglasses and earphones. Additional features include ▲a sliding storage box for rear seat passengers, ▲a dedicated pocket for smartphone storage, and ▲a size guide to assist with items to be placed in the trunk.
The EX30 simplifies complex driving tasks through a single screen to help the driver pay more attention to the road. The 12.3-inch center screen, positioned in the center of the dashboard, creates a driver-centric space that presents all necessary driving information through one screen. The display also offers a ‘Calm’ viewing mode that removes all but essential information so the driver can focus on driving. This helps reduce eye fatigue on long drives and is particularly useful at night.
Additionally, features such as ▲hands-free Google Assistant, ▲Google Maps navigation, and preferred Google Play apps provide access to advanced infotainment services from Google.
The EX30 is the first Volvo model to support wireless Apple CarPlay. Also utilizing Qualcomm Automotive’s Snapdragon cockpit platform technology allows for fast responsiveness tailored to the user’s needs, and 5G connectivity is supported in serviceable areas. (Note: For the Korean market, infotainment developed with TMAP Mobility is planned.)
In addition, a digital key compatible with a variety of smartphone brands, designed on UWB (Ultra Wide Band) and CCC (Car Connectivity Consortium) industry standards, supports functions such as charging, vehicle locating, unlocking, and cabin heating adjustments. OTA wireless updates are also supported.
Maximizing the compact body size, the EX30 has a chassis configured for an optimal driving experience, offering a low center of gravity and a relatively low, even weight distribution for comfort and agility. It offers three powertrain options that combine two battery types, allowing drivers to select according to their needs in terms of efficiency, driving range, and performance.
For those who spend most of their time in the city or utilize shorter distances, the rear-wheel-based LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery combined with a single motor can be selected, providing a maximum range of 344km (according to WLTP) per charge, making it an economical choice for short trips.
The rear-wheel-based NMC battery combined with a single motor configuration is tailored for those preferring longer ranges, allowing for up to 480km (according to WLTP) on a single charge. Additionally, there’s a powerful NMC battery option coupled with a dual motor and all-wheel drive (AWD) that boasts a strength of 428 horsepower (315kW) and the fastest acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds in Volvo’s history.
With a maximum DC charging capacity of up to 134kW (single motor) and 153kW (single motor extended and twin motor performance), it can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 25 minutes. The center display and app also allow for settings on maximum charging range, battery charging current, and when to start charging.
Volvo Cars has always been an industry leader in safety, which is a non-negotiable value for the brand. The EX30, being the smallest SUV in its history, has the ‘safe space technology’ that achieves greater innovations based on 96 years of safety leadership.
The design structure meeting the industry’s highest own safety standards, along with advanced passenger protection technologies, effectively addresses various accident scenarios. Most importantly, to protect passengers inside the cabin in the event of a collision, the new EX30 is designed with a reinforced structure, including the roof and passenger safety cage, as well as A, B, and C pillars.
Considering the characteristics of pure electric vehicles, high-strength steel of various forms is used in the chassis and safety cage to efficiently dissipate impacts in potential collisions. Additionally, a new paraside airbag is equipped on the driver’s side to reduce head and chest injuries during side impacts.
Furthermore, to prevent accidents with cyclists or scooters on crowded city streets, a door opening warning system provides visual and audio signals to draw attention whenever the door is opened. The first-ever implementation of next-generation park pilot assist in the brand allows for parking by simply manipulating a 3D interface screen that detects all types of parking spaces. There’s also next-gen Pilot Assist that supports lane changes and ensures more space when overtaking large trucks.
Moreover, Volvo Cars has surprisingly revealed plans to introduce the EX30 Cross Country, continuing the brand’s long heritage for adventurers. Production is set to begin in late 2024, featuring a higher ground clearance, front, rear, and side skid plates, a black panel front bumper, and boot lid, as well as signature Cross Country characteristics, including options for 19-inch black wheels or 18-inch exclusive tires and wheels.
Jisoo Lee, daedusj@autodiary.kr