If one car made us sit up and take notice this year, it's the Volvo EX30. We tested the "Single Motor Extended Range" variant, embarking on an ambitious 3000-km European winter road trip. From tearing up Germany's Autobahn to weaving through Austria's picturesque mountain curves and soaking in the urban beauty of Budapest, the EX30 didn't just meet expectations—it crushed them.
Equipped with Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 tires rated for a hefty 240 km/h, the car confidently brushed against its Volvo-imposed 180 km/h speed cap without flinching. It practically whispered, "Come on, let's go faster," we were too glad to oblige.
A winter culinary road trip across Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary sounds like a logistical nightmare, especially in snowy conditions with an EV. But the EX30 laughed in the face of skepticism. It turned the entire journey into a showcase of how practical (and delicious) electric road trips in Europe can be.
Fun Factor: 10
The car's short wheelbase made navigating twisty mountain roads an absolute blast, hugging corners as if its life depended on it. However, the stiff suspension made its discomfort known off the tarmac—imagine accidentally biting a fork. Here's hoping the upcoming EX30 Cross Country variant will make off-roading a more forgiving experience.
The rear-wheel drive configuration excelled in snowy terrain, offering stability that even some gas-powered competitors would envy. The car's weight distribution deserves a standing ovation—it's a winter warrior at heart.
Variants and Performance
The Volvo EX30 comes in three distinct flavours, each with a unique personality:
The Base Model:
Battery: Lithium Iron Phosphate, 51 kWh (49 kWh usable).
Range: 322 km (337 km WLTP).
Acceleration: A restrained 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
Availability: Not sold in North America.
Single Motor Extended Range (our steed):
Battery: Nickel Manganese Cobalt, 69 kWh (64 kWh usable).
Range: 420 km range (480 km WLTP).
Acceleration: A zippy 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Twin Motor Performance (the pocket rocket):
Battery: Similar to the extended range model but tuned for thrills.
Range: A slightly reduced 402 km, but...
Acceleration: A jaw-dropping 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds—quicker than a Golf R! Hot take: it's more exhilarating to drive than its rivals.
Can It Family? 5
Ah, the eternal question: can this car handle family duty? The answer is… sort of. The back seats should suffice for smaller kids, like Lego enthusiasts or preschoolers. However, legroom is snug, and installing car seats might require some creative contortion. On the bright side, Volvo made life easier with improved rear anchor accessibility, saving you from reenacting a circus act every time you buckle up.
The front seats are comfortable even though the headrest is non-adjustable. Volvo's minimalist design philosophy occasionally becomes overly complicated. The single adjustment button for the seats is a prime example—it's a Rubik's Cube for controlling lumbar support, tilt, and position within the same interface.
Another example is the glovebox, which you can only open through the infotainment system. Need your passport at a border crossing? Start navigating menus early. The center console boasts specific storage solutions. The trunk features a whimsical guide showing what can fit. It's a small car that punches above its weight in practicality.
Fuel-Friendly: 10
They said, "EVs are expensive to charge. " We covered nearly 700 km on just €40, with plenty of culinary detours. Take that, diesel!
Official consumption numbers for the Single Motor Extended Range are:
City: 15.6 kWh/100 km.
Highway: 20.1 kWh/100 km.
Combined: 18.1 kWh/100 km.
In real-world winter conditions, we averaged 20.6 kWh/100 km. With temperatures between -5°C and 10°C and mostly highway driving, we kept costs impressively low. Fast charging added to the ease—most stops lasted under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick goulash break.
Highway Warrior: 7
The EX30 cruises comfortably at 130 km/h on the highway (and quickly hits the 180 km/h limiter). Each time we crossed the speed limiter, even if it was by 1km/h, it beeped at us angrily, thanks to European regulations. We've tested other vehicles in Europe that were even more annoying when exceeding the speed limit. The beeping was bearable when drowned in music jams. It must be turned off each time you enter the vehicle if you do not wish to use it. But a 2-3km/h lenience would go a long way. Fast charging infrastructure in Europe more than compensates, though. With DC chargers offering up to 360 kW, our EX30 quickly hit over 150 kW during our charging sessions; hence, we never had to wait long. Additionally, the integrated Google Maps knew precisely when to get the battery ready for charging, and we could plan longer stretches without having range anxiety. Finally, Volvo has used noise cancellation to remove any unwanted sounds coming into the cabin, reducing the need to add heavy material for the same job.
Karaoke Friendly: 7
The sound system is a hidden gem in this minimalist marvel. Volvo's focus on clean, simple design carries over, but it didn't skimp on audio. Featuring nine high-performance speakers—including a subwoofer in the trunk—and powered by a 1040-watt amplifier, this system delivers rich, immersive sound. Technologies like Vehicle Noise Compensation (VNC), Quantum Logic Surround (QLS), and Dirac Unison take it to the next level. Who knew a soundbar could sound this good?
The central screen can be eager. It loves reminding you to look at the road, even if you are simply adjusting the climate controls or looking at the speed. A heads-up display could reduce these nagging alerts by about 80%. And don't get me started if you decide to wear sunglasses. In the end, some controls shouldn't be hidden in the menu, such as changing the climate controls, which require way too much attention off the road, and even removing some of the driving assistance should be a lot easier with a press of a button instead of a 2 step process.
Speaking of the screen, Apple CarPlay is available wirelessly, but we ended up sticking with integrated Google Maps most of the time to avoid logging into Spotify. Our iPhone disconnected several times during the trip, requiring us to pair it again, but it wasn't a dealbreaker. Compared to other systems, the EX30's wireless CarPlay fares well. However, the infotainment's reliance on menus for basic tasks, like adjusting climate settings, means you'll want to plan and hope you don't need mid-drive tweaks.
Baby Friendly: 4
Baby-friendly? Not quite. While rear anchor improvements are welcome, the limited rear space makes this a tough sell for families with car seats. The EX30 is more suited for the "diaper bag and stroller" phase than the "teenager's gaming console and sports gear" stage. Rear-facing seats are a squeeze, and the cargo area is surprisingly big for a vehicle in its class.
City Cruising: 10
This is where the EX30 shines. Its compact size and nimble handling make it a dream for navigating narrow European streets and tight parking spots. The electric motor's instant torque turns red lights into mini drag races (safely, of course). The Ultra trim takes it further with its 360-degree camera, making parking a breeze even in the trickiest urban scenarios. We had to use these features in Budapest in one of the smallest parking garages we have seen, which is normal there and squeeze down an even smaller circular ramp. Anything bigger than an EX30 would have destroyed their alloy wheels or worse. Finally, the EX30, city driving goes from a chore to an absolute pleasure. Even in Winter, driving for a few days, we explored the beautiful sights and the winter Budapest market offered. We finished with an all-city average of 14.7 kWh/100km, making us wonder how much less this vehicle consumption is during ideal weather.
Should You Buy It?
Pros:
Mind-blowing acceleration and handling
Outstanding energy efficiency.
Perfect for city driving and short getaways
Clever, thoughtful design touches.
Cons:
Rear seating is tight for adults or car seats.
Minimalist controls can be frustrating.
Stiff suspension doesn't love bumpy roads.
Final Thoughts:
The Volvo EX30 is a hot hatchback reimagined for the electric era. It's fun, efficient, and undeniably cool—just don't expect it to double as a minivan. If you're looking for an EV that brings joy to everyday drives, the EX30 might be your new best friend. The keyless entry system, while futuristic, occasionally falters, requiring a 2-second handle hold to unlock. Despite its quirks, the EX30 delivered an unforgettable journey. We travelled through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary for just 40 euros in charging costs one way, proving that EVs can be practical, economical, and downright fun. If this is the future of road trips, count us in for round two!
One essential thing in Europe is that most fast-charging communities, such as Ionity, offer passports with lower charging rates. Without them, the lowest rate available can quickly increase or double. If you're planning a road trip and driving a lot, these passports can save you a lot of money, often even after one recharge.
Disclaimer: Volvo lent us this vehicle for two weeks as a press car. We have no affiliation with Volvo Germany, and the above reflects our unbiased opinion.
