The Electrek EV of the year 2024 will once again be debatable: the Volvo EX30. The sleek, Chinese-owned Swedish logo car tops our list because it embodies the long history of electric vehicles. The EX30 will originally be manufactured only in China. However, it is now also manufactured in Europe and may even be manufactured 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 is a mixture of many factors.
The EX30 is indicative of the long history of electric cars. Like last year’s winner, the Tesla Model Y, it’s a global car. The same car will be 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 it to the South Carolina plant where the larger EX90 is built. Biden’s administration If they did not increase the price lists of Chinese-made cars to one hundred percent, the United States would most likely already have Chinese versions of those cars on its roads. -He did EX30 again.
Finally a small electric vehicle!
One of the most refreshing aspects of the EX30 is its size. The Chevy Bolt was recently discontinued by GM, leaving a huge hole in the compact EV space. Sure, there are two-door Fiat 500E and EV Mini Coopers floating around, but those are 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 153 kW, 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 EV-heavy European markets like Norway, the EV30 outsells everything on the market outside of Tesla’s declining Model Y. Volvo says the rocket-like AWD version is in high demand in the US.
“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.
Safety
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 get the excitement about this car. Check out the Reddit forums to hear how drivers are enjoying the vehicle. When I drove the car, I was flabbergasted with how well the RWD version handled, let alone the AWD model.
Let’s break down those delicious specs:
If you’re an American wondering about the length of the EX30, it’s right between the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the EUV, which is a small car by today’s standards. Plus, the 7-inch ground clearance makes the micro-SUV moniker a little more plausible than 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 EX30 Vehicle to X (grid/home/load/etc) of 11kW has been demoed but isn’t touted by Volvo.
I note here that the Kia EV9 comes at a time close to this price, but the smaller car is what we want 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 during FY30 is global politics, i. e. , 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 modifies 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.
Editor and editorial director of the 9tofive/Electrek websites. Owner of Tesla Model 3, X and Chevy Bolt. . . Five and more electric bikes