Volvo’s small EX30 changes the game with 3.4 sec. 0-60, starting at $35K

Volvo̵[ads1]7;s EX30 also comes in off-road trim and will hit the streets in 2024. The little “B-segment” EX30 EV is a big deal for Volvo, and here’s why…

Volvo plans to sell only electric cars in just seven short years in 2030 and plans to be carbon neutral a decade later. It has made significant progress in getting its fleet electric with some plug-in Recharge hybrids, the XC40, C40 EV and the now-delayed EX90.

But today’s announcement is the biggest in electrification yet. The new EX30 will be priced to displace many vehicles at $35,000 US and at the same time will be incredibly compelling both inside and out. The Volvo EX30 is available to order from today across Europe and other selected markets. In the US, customers can place pre-orders, while order books will be opened in other markets at a later date.

The two configurations are detailed below, but essentially it comes down to a RWD and an AWD model.

It turns out that when you put two fast motors in a small EV, you get a small rocket ship. The RWD model propels the EX30 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, which is already impressively quick. But when you add a 145 horsepower front engine for a total of 422 hp, you get a small SUV that can go from 0-60 at supercar speed in 3.4 seconds.

This is faster than a bunch of modern Ferraris and Porsches. In a $35,000 electric SUV?! It’s Volvo’s fastest-accelerating car ever, and I even think it beats any Polestar by one second.

It even beats any non-performance Tesla and will run with a Performance Model Y off the line.

Other specs are very solid, but perhaps not as exciting as that acceleration. Weight is 4000 lb.+/-140 lb. for RWD/AWD. The 69kWh/64kWh/usable battery is pretty close to what Chevy puts in its bolt, and considering the EX30 is about the same size as the EUV, it’s no surprise that it gets a similar range of 265/275 miles for the AWD/ RWD. .

The Bolt comparisons end there with the DC fast charge rate of 153kW, which is solid, especially for a 64kW battery, but we have to make reservations about the all-important charging curve. Volvo says “you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just over 26.5 minutes,” which is the key metric there.

Great looks inside and out

Volvo has spent the last month teasing out images, but today’s press release has the mother lode of images above. Suffice to say, the modern interior looks stunning from the minimalist cockpit to the airy glass roof. The exterior may subjectively be a very modern Volvo.

But wait. There is more!

Volvo EX30 Cross Country – one more thing?

Volvo surprised us right before the launch with the news that there would be a pseudo-off-road AWD variant called the EX30 Cross Country. I would assume the AWD range would go down with reduced aerodynamics and beefier tires. Worth it?

Electrek’s Take

It’s been hard to keep this news under wraps because I think it’s an important milestone in EV adoption for the Swedish/Chinese automaker under the Geely umbrella.

For young urban and suburban commuters, this seems like a dream car. It’s one of the fastest-accelerating cars on the road, nimble and small, yet capable of transporting children around town in minimalist luxury. Also, AWD Volvo safe in rain and snow. Oh, and it doesn’t look half bad.

The downsides here are that this isn’t due to dealers for another year and won’t qualify for US federal tax credits because it’s made in China. However, it will be possible to lease with the tax deduction going to the tenant, which means that the rental prices should be the best place.

If I wasn’t already excited about my same size 2023 Chevy Bolt EV, I’d sign up to drop $35K. If I’m GM looking at this, I think what could have been for the Chevy Bolt if they had put some effort into it.

You can watch the unveiling video live at 7:30 ET here.