The EX30 is an all-new compact BEV offered with either rear-wheel drive of dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Volvo’s new entry-level BEV called the XC30, is smaller than the EX40. Built on a 52 mm shorter wheelbase, the XC30 is 207 mm shorter overall, marginally narrower and lower than the EX40.

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 EX30 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes using a 150 kW Level 3 charger.

The exterior of the EX30 is chic, modern and very Volvo. The EX30’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. The cabin of the EX30, with a visually-calm sense of style that relies on shapes rather than applied ornamentation, is very elegant. Though it looks great, there are too many hard plastic surfaces inside the EX30. Style wise, the cabin is a triumph, but operationally, it is less so. Most functions are run via a centrally-mounted touchscreen, the use of which defines frustration. The front seats are very comfortable, the driving position is very good and space is adequate. That said, the rear seat is oddly shaped, suffers from a distinct lack of legroom and ingress-egress is hampered by small doors.

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.

On the road, confusion starts on entry as there is no start-stop button for the car and the transmission selector makes finding a gear a bit of a mystery. That said, there is little to complain about how the EX30 drives. Our 268 horsepower rear-wheel drive variant (a dual-motor variant with 422 horsepower is available) is fast and quiet. While a bit numb, steering is accurate and the regenerative brakes work very well. Though, firm, the ride is quite resilient and combines with very confident handling.

Volvo has side-stepped its dealer network for electric car sales. The EX30 must be ordered directly from Volvo Canada with delivery at the dealership.

Volvo’s smallest EV was ensnared in the net of big tariffs against Chinese-built electric cars until Volvo decided to move production to Belgium.

The Core base trim, with a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping system, lane departure, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, active cruise control, autonomous emergency steering as well as heated front seats and steering wheel, is nicely equipped. Moving up to the Plus trim adds a fixed glass roof panel, a power tailgate, 19 inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, wireless cellphone charging and a Harman-Kardon audio system. On the Plus trim, it costs $3000 to move from 268 horsepower and rear-wheel drive to 422 horsepower and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. The Ultra range-topper includes features self parking and rear auto braking, but looks very expensive.

In March of 2025, there were no government subsidies for electric cars.