In the last few years, we’ve seen an inexorable push from the auto industry toward ever larger, more complicated (and more expensive) electric vehicles, offering huge ranges, quick acceleration, and the kind of sticker price that is beyond the means of many buyers.
Earlier this week however, Volvo surprised us with the price point of is smallest and smartest electric car to date, the 2024 Volvo EX30 SUV.
And while we think of this car as being nearer to a hatchback than a traditional crossover, we think this could be just what the market has been yearning for – especially in markets where its most affordable variant – with LFP battery pack – will go on sale.
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00:00 – Introduction
01:10 – The affordable EV market right now
03:01 – Not a ground-up
03:41 – External Features
05:59 – Interior
10:14 – Technical Specs
14:08 – Thanks, and Goodbye!
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Script, Presenter: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Editor, Colorist: Michael Horton
Art and Animation: Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
© Transport Evolved LLC, 2023
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There are some ethical concerns about Chinese made MNC batteries since they are the ones that might be using that child labor in the Congo. But LFP doesn't have that issue. Geely is a private company and not Chinese government owned like SIAC (MG, Maxus, LDV).
If it had a nice red paint available, I might wait, but they won't even let me pay for that.
It looks a little like the Renault Megane etech.
Nice looking car but I would rule out because of no driver console or buttons (when will designers learn people want a car for driving not a gimmicky computer?).
Nikki, I live in your metro area and have already placed a reservation. The dealership has already contacted me to confirm the reservation, so it should be fairly early in the US order queue. If you haven't been provided a press car by the time mine arrives, I would be willing to hand it over to you for a few days immediately after arrival. The only delay that I see that could cause my order to not be early by comparison, would be if fulfillment rolls out by state or by trim level. Since this is a purchase, I will be willing to accept a delivery delay to ensure my choice of interior finish and exterior color option. I honestly can't guess how the roll out will proceed. It seems that few SEA platform cars are actually delivering among any of the Geely brands in markets outside of China as yet.
How about V2L?
they are missing the mark for sure
Really like the clean design.
Most of the electric vehicles sold in New Zealand are made in China, including Tesla. Given the pricing of Chinese cars Down Under is quite a bit sharper than Europe (presumably due to lack of tariffs), it will be interesting to see what price Volvo can offer here. I reckon it would sell like hotcakes.
Sounds like it’s very similar in size to the Jeep Avenger, which I also like.
Great to see a small electric SUV for grown-ups coming out of China. No guitar strings in the doors. No sinews in the dashboard. Just great Scandi styling! Should sell like hotcakes in most markets.
Does it have one pedal drive ?
And it looks like you’ll not be able to fit roof bars. Unless you buy Volvo brand mounts.
Why oh why, have they seen fit to have an almost square steering wheel? What next… a wave maybe? Inspired by the northern lights. And mood lighting with sounds. Presumably inspired by people with synaesthesia.
It's a good news! Wold needs smaller, more affordable EVs to really push electrification of transport forward. In this context, GM's reported decision to discontinue their Bolt line of affordable EVs looks like 'killing the electric car' for the second time… Hope that introduction of new battery chemistries, like LMFP, sodium-ion etc., will cause EV prices to drop, as apart from the battery all the other systems of an EV are much cheaper than those of an ICE vehicle.
Is “vegan leather” what we used to call Naugahyde?
In South Africa it starts at R775k for the small battary variant. Not bad considering the Ora Funky Cat starts at R717k. Volvo is much better quality so would be worth paying the extra money.
Why are the comments back?
I have been watching Volvo EX30 reviews from those invited to the Milan launch back to back. Yours however, has been by far the most informative. Just pre-booked for delivery Jan-Feb 2024 delivery. Thank you.
The Volvo EX30 is exciting news. Hopefully production will occur in North America as well as elsewhere. Great set of essential features at a nice value price point. Given the interest that is around this EV, expect it will be hard to find one unclaimed pre-2025/2026.
It's still an SUV, I would eat my ICE car if I could buy a compact hatch that looks good, goes 250 miles, charges fast and isn't an SUV.
I read last week that the carbon emissions released from all the toxic washer fluid is also a huge concern for the climate. Not to mention the particulates released from the tires from heavier drivetrains of electrics. Seems we just can't win for losing.😮
“Bigger” is not better; makes more $. Need Model Ts, “Folks”Wagens and my all time fave, Austin Minis that Rob and Juliet can afford. First to do that – EVs win, ICE dies. MAKERS – throw out accountants and lawyers with bathwater ! Just do it ! … and govs – put your big person pants on (legislate to reward smaller over “bigger”, better efficiency, less impacts, more transparency, increased compatibility/standardisation, and smarter incentives). … just saying …
I'm having a really difficult time visualising the actual size of this car without a banana for reference..
I like this vehicle for a lot of things, but I still take umbrage with 30k being a "cheap car". Until the market opens up to buyers in the 15-20k range I don't see the electrified future getting good traction.
CCS1 or NACS on this car?
Giving Elon more money by buying a Tesla is bad enough, but so is supporting the chinese takeover of the western world! No thank you to the Chinese-made EX30! No support of human rights=not getting my money!!!!!!
9:03 Does a big glass roof like that cause the interior to heat up? I’ve never had a glass roof before and I don’t love the thought of the sun shining directly on my kids / in their eyes on trip, for example. Otherwise this car seems pretty awesome!
Looks like an outstanding value. Hopefully Volvo will also assemble this vehicle at its plant in South Carolina, instead of with the prisoners of the Chinese Communist Party….
This looks like a tremendous car. I can’t wait to see more reviews when it’s available.
I put in a reservation the morning it debuted here in states! I'm a huge Volvo fan and currently drive an XC40 (gas…..don't shoot me) and the lease ends next May….just in time for my EX30 to come in ….fingers crossed no delays….tho my dealer said I can just extend my lease month to month since I have an order in for a new Volvo….Also can't wait to see your teams impressions once you get a chance behind the wheel!
Great video – good on you for talking about the China ev / china smartphone controversy. When describing yourselves, it saddens me that you as a channel often describe yourself as a victim – the other channels don't that and maybe that also affects how brands choose their influencers. Hope you enjoy the summer.
A normal sized car.
For a Volvo pretty affordable.
This will sell very well, especially as a company lease car.
Yay! A small EV option🎉 thanks for the video! I always enjoy hearing your point of view on EV stuff!
👍
It's going to be the rear seat head/legroom that will make or break the EX30 for my family.
Beautiful exciting design! Great commercial from Volvo. This is how NA and EU fall in love with Chineese cars. I fear disappointment in pricing and trim in NA. The Marketing folks like to trot out that $35K price and add in 0-60 times, glass roofs and trim which aren't available at that price: can you buy a Lightning at $45K, will we be able to buy an Equinox at $35K? At $40K÷ and no $7.5K rebate it would-be a tough sell against a cheaper, roomier Mode 3 or Y.
Leather made from vegans might be something 🙂
Volvo is a Swedish car company. Not a Chinese car maker. This car is built in China and uses the parent's company's platform but the people who are behind this car are located in Sweden and their directive is responsible for this car, not Geely the parent company. This is not a Geely designed car, it is a Volvo that utilizes the engineering and body safety engineering that has gone into Volvos for generations. People should not refer to this as a "Chinese car."
As for the EX30, it is a wonderful update of the XC40. I feel that the current Volvos are fantastic but they were designed back in 2015-2019 and are getting a bit long in the tooth. It's time for Volvo to update. And I actually think this interior is more stylish than the bigger EX90. I wish there was an instrument display and more buttons. But I like what Volvo has done with the packaging. Ultimately, maybe the back seats are too small for larger adults but it at least is a reasonably priced Volvo and should get a few more people into the brand. For those going on about Tesla, Volvo isn't about outselling Tesla. Volvo is a small, niche premium brand. Volvo just wants to increase sales to about 1.5 million. This car should help them do so.
its not small
its a big car
you are so fat you think big cars are small like a red neck trump-clone
Does it support bidirectional charging (V,2H, V2G (V2L))?
I don't understand why bidirectional charging hasn't become a big thing yet, especially with LFP battery chemistry