The Electrek EV of 2024 will be controversial again: the Volvo EX30. The svelte car with the Swedish logo, owned by a Chinese company, tops our list because it embodies the future of electric vehicles. Originally, the EX30 would be made solely in China, but it is now 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 Swedish interior and exterior styling to the 3. 4 0-60 time of the AWD version (the highest-revving Volvo) and its starting price of $35,000, the EX30 screams innovation. But as they say, that’s not all. . .
In the past Electrek’s vehicle of the year were:
Why does the EX30 do the trick this year? It’s a of many factors.
The EX30 is indicative of the long history of electric vehicles. Like last year’s winner, the Tesla Model Y, this is a global car. The same car will go on sale in China, Europe and now the United States. It will be built in China and Europe. Depending on the Trump administration’s calculations of tax incentives, or lack thereof, it may even be built in the United States. Volvo has not yet said whether it will arrive at the South Carolina plant where the larger EX90 is built. If the Biden leadership did not develop price lists for 100% Chinese-made vehicles, the United States would most likely already have Chinese versions of the vehicle on its roads. If the Trump leadership abandons 100% Chinese customs duties, the United States may again see Chinese-made EX30s.
Finally, a small EV!
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.
The small length is just a matter of aesthetics, less difficulty in parking and more space in the garage. This also means that a smaller battery and less power can keep the car running. With a charging capacity of up to 153 kW, the Volvo EX30 can go from 10% to 80% in just over 25 minutes with maximum DC fast chargers. And 150kW will work fine here, you won’t want to look for the faster 350kW varieties. It also means that charging it will save time. power 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. »
Hopefully, other car makers are taking note. Make a compelling small car and Americans, yes Americans, will lap them up.
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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 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 get those delicious specs out:
If an American is wondering about the length of the EX30, it ranks 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 bit more believable than the Bolt.
These monstrous configurations of force and torque for a compact SUV just for speed. You can also tow a lot of small to medium weight (up to 2500 pounds) with the EX30. This makes it a wonderful option for camping.
The EX30 Vehicle to X (grid/home/load/etc) of 11kW has been demoed but isn’t touted by 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 like the design and functionality of the Volvo, but I think I’d prefer the PS3 – similar features, 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 efficiency of the Lucid engine. The PS3 would look 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 theme that the EX30 follows is global politics, specifically the ongoing trade issues between China and the West. Donald Trump and his sidekick Elon Musk will likely change US EV policy yet again and it will be interesting to see how that changes incentives for US cars, including the EX30.
For now, though, as American drivers get their hands on the fast little EX30, we’ve got 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