2024’s Electrek EV of the year will again be controversial: The Volvo EX30. The svelt car from the Swedish brand that is owned by a Chinese company tops our list because it embodies the future of EVs. The EX30 was originally going to be made in only in China, but is now being built in Europe as well and it could even be built in the US where deliveries are just now starting.
The non controversial part is that this is an amazing EV. From the Swedish minimalist interior and exterior styling, to the AWD version’s 3.4 0-60 time (the quickest accelerating Volvo) to its $35,000 starting price, the EX30 screams innovation. But, as they say, that’s not all…
In the past Electrek’s vehicle of the year were:
Why is the EX30 compatible with this year’s bill?It’s a mixture of many factors.
The EX30 is indicative of the future of EVs. Just like last year’s winner, the Tesla Model Y, it is a world car. The same car will be on sale in China, Europe and now the US. It will be built in China and in Europe. Depending on the math of a Trump administration’s tax incentives – or lack thereof, it might even be built in the US. Volvo hasn’t yet said if it will come to the South Carolina plant where the bigger EX90 is built. If the Biden Administration didn’t raise the tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles to 100%, the US would likely already have Chinese versions of the vehicle on its roads. If the Trump administration drops its the 100% China tariff, the US might again see Chinese-made EX30s.
Finally, a small EV!
One of the most refreshing aspects of the EX30 is its size. The Chevrolet Bolt recently discontinued by GM, leaving a large void in the compact electric vehicle space. Sure, there are two-door Fiat 500E and Mini Cooper EVs, but they’re more niche cars.
Shorter length just for aesthetic reasons, less difficulty in parking and more parking space. This also means that a smaller battery and less force can power the car. With a charging capacity of up to 153kW, the Volvo EX30 can go from 10% to 80% in just over 25 minutes with DC fast chargers set to maximum. And 150 kW will work fine here, no need to look for the faster 350 kW varieties. This also means that charging it will save time, effort and money, especially on the road.
In European markets with the highest consumption of electric vehicles, such as Norway, the EV30 outsells everything else on the market, Tesla’s declining Model Y. Volvo says the rocket-shaped AWD edition is one of the most requested in the United States.
“The EX30 is one of the most popular electric vehicles in Europe and will arrive in the United States this year with a very attractive and competitive starting price for the 422 horsepower Twin Motor Performance model with a range of 253 miles. A single-engine variant is expected to arrive in the United States in late 2025 with an even higher starting price. »
Let’s hope car brands take note. Make a compelling small car and Americans, yes, Americans, will appreciate it.
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It wouldn’t be a Volvo if it wasn’t a car and its 5-star NCAP effects make it a plus. (NSFW 🙂
How convincing is it?
Read my full review from a year ago to feel the excitement about this car. Check out the Reddit forums to find out how drivers are enjoying the vehicle. When I drove the car, I was impressed with the handling of the RWD version, let alone the AWD. model.
Let’s break down those delicious specs:
If you are an American wondering about the size of the EX30, it fits exactly between the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, which is to say a small car, by today’s standards. Also the 7-inch ground clearance makes the micro-SUV moniker a little bit more believable than on the Bolt.
These monstrous strength and torque setups for a compact SUV for speed alone. You can also tow a lot of small to medium weight (up to 2,500 pounds) with the EX30. This makes it a wonderful option for camping.
The 11 kW EX30 to X (grid/home/charging/etc) vehicle demonstrated yet is not touted through Volvo.
I should note here that the Kia EV9 was a close second for this award but the smaller car is what we need for 2025.
I appreciate the design and performance of the Volvo, but I think I’d choose the PS3 – similar function but given the number of choices out there I would pay a little extra for the Polestar style and power. I hope other companies can get closer to Lucid’s motor efficiency. The PS3 would be amazing with a smaller battery, lighter weight, and just a little more range.
I think that’s a big takeaway from me here. We need more smaller car options. Car size has gotten way out of hand in the US and that escalation problem is spreading globally. Large cars are inefficient and dangerous.
Another topic followed through EX30 is global politics, specifically the current industrial problems between China and the West. Donald Trump and his partner Elon Musk will likely replace the US EV policy once they return and it will be interesting to see how this adjusts incentives. for American cars, adding the EX30.
For now though, as US drivers are getting their hands on the speedy little EX30, we have a favorite car going into 2025.
Editor and editorial director of the 9tofive/Electrek websites. Owner of Tesla Model 3, X and Chevy Bolt. . . Five and more electric bikes