The 2024 Electrek EV will once again be controversial: the Volvo EX30. The slender Swedish logo car, owned by a Chinese company, tops our list because it embodies the future of electric vehicles. Originally, the EX30 was to be made solely in China, but now it’s also made in Europe and may even be made in the United States, where deliveries are just beginning.
What is not debatable is that it is an electric vehicle. From the minimalist interior and exterior Swedish styling to the 3. 4 0-60 time of the AWD version (the fastest-accelerating Volvo) and 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 electric cars. Like last year’s winner, the Tesla Model Y, it’s a global car. The same car will go on sale in China, Europe and now the United States. Depending on the Trump administration’s tax incentives – or lack thereof – it may even be built in the United States. Volvo has not yet said whether it will make its way to the South Carolina factory where the larger EX90 is made. If Biden’s leadership didn’t create price lists of 100% Chinese-made cars, chances are the U. S. already had Chinese versions of those cars on its roads. If the Trump administration abandons the exclusively Chinese price lists, the U. S. may see Chinese-made EX30s again.
Finally a small electric vehicle!
One of the most refreshing aspects of the EX30 is its size. The Chevrolet Bolt was recently discontinued by GM, leaving a huge void in the compact electric vehicle space. Sure, there are Fiat 500E and two-door Mini Cooper EVs, but they’re more specialized cars.
Shorter length just for aesthetics, less difficulty in parking and more parking space. This also means that a smaller battery and less force can run the car. With a charging capacity of up to 153 kW, the Volvo EX30 can go from 10% to 80% in just over 25 minutes with DC fast chargers at full capacity. And 150 kW will work well here, no need to look for the fastest 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, the declining Tesla Model Y. Volvo says the rocket-shaped AWD edition is one of the most sought-after 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 that car brands take note. Make a compelling little car and Americans—yes, Americans—will appreciate it.
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It wouldn’t be a Volvo if it weren’t a car and its 5-star NCAP scores prove it. (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 get those delicious specs out:
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.
Those monster-for-a-compact-SUV horsepower and torque settings aren’t just for speed. You can also tow some small-to medium-sized loads (up to 2500lbs) with the EX30. That makes this a great camping option.
The demonstrated 11 kW EX30 to X (network/home/charging/etc. ) vehicle is not yet promoted through Volvo.
It’s worth noting here that the Kia EV9 comes close to this price, but what we want by 2025 is the smaller car.
I like the design and functionality of the Volvo, but I think I’d prefer the PS3 – similar in function, but given the number of possible options available, I’d pay a little more for the taste and strength of the Polestar. I hope other corporations can come close to the power of Lucid’s engine. The PS3 would be amazing with a smaller battery, lighter weight, and a little more battery life.
I think this is something important for me here. We need more smaller car options. Car size has expanded in the United States and this 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 U. S. electric vehicle policy. Once they return, it will be attractive to see how this adjusts the incentives. for American cars, adding the EX30.
For now, though, as American drivers get their hands on the quick little EX30, we have a favorite car for 2025.
Publisher and Editorial Director of the 9to5/Electrek sites. Tesla Model 3, X and Chevy Bolt owner…5 ebikes and counting