Volvo’s new entry-level BEV called the XC30, is smaller than the XC40. Built on a 52 mm shorter wheelbase, the XC30 is 207 mm shorter overall, marginally narrower and lower than the XC40.

Power stems from a 69 kWh battery pack. Power for the rear-wheel drive variant is a robust 268 horsepower, with the dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant rated at an astounding 422 horsepower. No recharge time figures are available using a typical Level 2 home charger or the commonly found 50 kW Level 3 charger. Volvo states that the XC30 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes using a 150 kW Level 3 charger.

The XC30’s styling is fronted by a smooth fascia pierced by the Thor’s Hammer headlights Volvo uses on most of its vehicles. The rest of the car is easily identified as a Volvo and looks quite sleek. Window glass appears a bit small in relation to the solid panels of the car.

Like Tesla, the cabin is dominated by a large screen that is not integrated into the dashboard. There are no instruments facing the driver. The rest of the cabin, including the scalloped, contrasting-colour door panels, follows existing Volvo design themes. With a shorter wheelbase and lower overall height than the XC40, cabin space, especially rear legroom, may be tight. Volvo notes that a lot of recycled and renewable trim parts are used throughout the interior.

Active safety is taken care of by a forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, including for pedestrians and cyclists, active cruise control, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and traffic sign recognition.

Volvo has side-stepped its dealer network for electric car sales. The XC30 must be ordered directly from Volvo Canada with delivery at the dealership.