2025 Volvo EX30 Single Motor Review

Are you looking for a small electric SUV that’s fun to drive? The 2025 Volvo EX30 Single Motor might be your answer. This compact EV starts at $53,700 and packs a punch with 268 horsepower.

We’ll break down its features, performance, and value to help you decide if it’s right for you. Ready to explore the EX30?

Overview of the 2025 Volvo EX30

The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a compact electric SUV that packs a punch. It offers a mix of style, tech, and eco-friendly features.

Starting Price

In Canada, the 2025 Volvo EX30 starts at $53,700 (it’s supposed to start at $36,245 in the United States when it goes on sale) for the Single Motor Extended Range model. It’s Volvo’s most affordable EV currently available, but it’s not the cheapest EV CUV you can currently buy in Canada.

I was expecting it to be cheaper, since when it was first announced, there was a lot excitement about this being an EV for the masses.

The $53,700 doesn’t include some of the packages, and is the price for the base EX30 Core. The EX30 Plus has a price tag of $56,900, and the top-of-the-line EX30 Ultra is priced at $59,100. These prices do not include $2,620 for Freight & PDI (a bit on the high side), Retailer Administration Fee of up to $695, Air Conditioning and Tire Tax of $133. And of course the dreaded sales tax need to be added on top.

However, the EX30 does qualify for the $5,000 Federal EV rebate, and there might be some provincial rebates where you live.

If you’re looking for more power and AWD, then the EX30 Twin Motor Performance is the one to get, for an additional $3,000 you get more power and the security of AWD. The twin-motor option is only available on the Plus and Ultra trims.

2025 Volvo EX30 Performance & Driving Impressions

Motor/Power Figures

The 2025 Volvo EX30 Single Motor comes with 200 kW (268 horsepower) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque. This electric powerhouse zips from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. That’s quick enough to leave many gas-powered cars in the dust.

For those craving more oomph, there’s the Twin Motor version. It cranks out a whopping 422 horsepower (315 kW) with all-wheel drive and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. This beast sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.6 seconds.

That’s supercar territory in a compact CUV package. Let’s move on to see how this power translates to real-world driving.

Real World Electricity Consumption

According to Volvo’s website, the EX30 should consume 16.5/20.1/18.1 kWh/100 kilometers in city/highway/combined driving. According to the NRCan website, the EX30 Single Motor has a rating of 1.9/2.3/2.0 Le/100 kilometers, which I have calculated to be 16.91/20.47/17.8 kWh/100 km in city/highway/combined driving, based on the NRCan explanation below

To help compare vehicles that use electricity, a conversion factor is used by NRCan to convert electrical energy consumption values, expressed in kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100 km), into gasoline liters equivalent per 100 kilometers (Le/100 km). One liter of gasoline contains the energy equivalent to 8.9 kWh of electricity.

In our real world driving, the 2025 Volvo EX30 Single Motor showed an average consumption of 19.8 kWh/100 kilometers. The review took place in late October, with temperatures ranging between 7 – 12 degrees Celsius (44.6 to 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with liberal use of the heater. The driving was about 80/20 highway/city.

On the Road

The EX30 handles like a dream on the open road. It zips through traffic with ease, making your daily commute a breeze. I found the 2025 Volvo EX30 Single Motor to have more than enough power, normally I’m looking for more power, but the car was more than quick enough. I honestly think I’d personally skip the Twin Motor if I was buying this car.

Driving the EX30 is pure fun. Its electric motor gives instant power, so you can pass slower cars with ease. The car stays steady even on twisty roads, thanks to its smart design. Plus, it’s quiet inside, letting you enjoy your music or chat with passengers without shouting.

Whether you’re running errands or taking a road trip, the EX30 makes every drive enjoyable.

Handling and Maneuverability

The 2025 Volvo EX30 handles like a dream. Its short length makes it a breeze to park in tight spots. The long wheelbase and low center of gravity keep it steady at high speeds. This combo gives drivers the best of both worlds – easy city driving and smooth highway cruising.

Steering feels is soft, but that’s true for pretty much every SUV/CUV, but is quick to respond. The EX30’s balanced weight helps here, making turns feel natural. Its suspension setup, with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link system in back, soaks up bumps well.

You’ll feel confident zipping through traffic or taking on twisty roads in this nimble electric SUV.

The EX30 turns on a dime and rides like it’s on rails.

Battery And charging Times

The 2025 Volvo EX30 comes with a 69 kWh (nominal capacity) battery pack, whether you get the single or dual motor version. The single motor version is rated at a range of up to 420 kilometers on a full charge, while adding the second motor doesn’t affect range that much, with the Twin Motor rated at a range of up to 407 kilometers.

I do see a trend here, 69 KWh and 420 km of range, is this a coincedense or a playfulness with Elon Must, since these are his favorite number. – Faisal, Automotive Journalist

On my week long review, I saw the gauge show a maximum range of 362 kilometers on a full charge. The weather was on the colder side (last week of October), but nothing crazy like Canadian winter temperatures. The temperature on said day was 7 degree Celsius (44.6 Fahrenheit.) Expect to lose even more range as temperatures get colder in the winter, but summer range should be higher than the claimed range.

Charging the batteries is pretty fast, if you can find a fast charger. The EX30 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 27 minutes using a fast charger, max input of 153 kW.

That’s less time than it takes to grab lunch.

At home, you can fully juice up your EX30 in about 8 hours with an 11 kW AC Type 2 charger. This setup works great for overnight charging. Since I don’t own an EV, I just plugged in the EX30 into my regular 120-volt outlet, I was gaining about 1 kWh every hour, which is less than other vehicles I’ve reviewed, which top out at 1.3 kWh.

Design and Style

The 2025 Volvo EX30 turns heads with its sleek Scandinavian design. Its clean lines and bold stance make it stand out in a crowded parking lot.

Exterior Aesthetics

The 2025 Volvo EX30’s long wheelbase and big wheels give it a bold stance. The car’s body uses recycled materials like aluminum and steel. This shows Volvo’s push for eco-friendly cars.

Sharp LED lights add a modern touch to the front and back.

Volvo offers five color choices for the EX30. Each shade brings out the car’s clean lines and smooth curves. The mix of recycled plastics in the body proves you can be green and stylish.

This compact SUV looks classy without trying too hard. It’s a great pick for guys who want a cool ride that’s also good for the planet.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the 2025 Volvo EX30, and you’ll find a cabin that’s both sleek and comfy. The minimalist design catches your eye right away. High-quality recycled materials cover the surfaces, giving an eco-friendly vibe.

Up front, there’s plenty of room to stretch out. The panoramic glass roof adds an airy feel, making the space seem bigger than it is. The rear seat is comfortable but leg room is at a premium, however, this is a small CUV, so this is to be expected.

Volvo got clever with storage, though. There’s a nifty cupholder that doubles as an adjustable tray. It’s perfect for stashing your phone or snacks.

A huge 12.3-inch touchscreen takes center stage on the dash. It replaces the usual gauges and controls everything from climate to navigation. Google powers the infotainment system, so it’s easy to use with a few caveats.

Like Tesla’s cars, the Model 3 and Y, the EX30 doesn’t have a gauge cluster, instead, the speed is displayed on the central touchscreen. I thought this would be hard to get used to, but it didn’t bother me at all, the speed is listed at the top of the touchscreen in quite a big font. Older drivers might find this annoying.

However, not all is peachy. I did get used to the speed being displayed on the center screen, however, I wasn’t a fan of using the touchscreen for many things, which made me take my eyes off the road. The climate control uses a menu on the screen, which is not as easy as using a traditional knob. But at least the climate control menus are always at the bottom of the screen, so you don’t have to dig through multiple screens just to get to the controls.

Unlike Tesla, the EX30 does come with traditional wiper and signal stalks, which makes using them just like any other car. However, the mirror menu is inside the touchscreen, where you have to select the mirror you want to adjust and then use the buttons on the steering wheel to adjust said mirror to your liking. I couldn’t do this while the car was moving, I found it too distracting. However, once you set the mirrors, you shouldn’t have to mess with them much.

The doors don’t house the window buttons like a traditional car, the buttons are near the center armrest. But instead of the usual four buttons, there are only two buttons for the front two windows, and there’s a button in the middle that says “rear”, which when clicked, controls the rear windows using the same buttons used for the front two windows. I found this to be a little gimmicky and had to click the “rear” button a few times to activate the rear windows feature.

Other than that, I found the car to be pretty user friendly, and maybe I would get used to it even more had I owned the car and interacted with it on a daily basis.

The EX30 also comes with an app, however, we weren’t provided with access to the app, so I can’t tell you what it does and how well it functions.

Cargo Capacity

The 2025 Volvo EX30 offers smart storage options for your gear. Its frunk is pretty small, but the trunk gives you plenty of room to stash your stuff. With the rear seats up, you get 318 liters (31.9 cubic feet) of space.

That’s enough for a few suitcases or a big grocery haul. Need more room? Just fold down those back seats giving you 904 liters of space.

Volvo’s designers didn’t forget about small items either. You’ll find clever cubbies throughout the cabin. These spots are perfect for your phone, wallet, and other daily essentials.

Let’s look at how the EX30 stacks up against its rivals in terms of tech features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Volvo EX30 Single Motor packs a punch in safety tech. It sports Park Pilot Assist, Door Opening Alert, and a 360º camera. These tools help drivers park and stay aware of their surroundings.

The EX30 also comes with forward-collision warning and auto emergency braking. These features work hard to prevent crashes and keep you safe on the road.

Volvo takes driver focus seriously with its Driver Alert System. This smart tech keeps an eye on how alert you are behind the wheel. If you start to drift, it’ll give you a heads up.

The EX30 also offers Pilot Assist, which helps with steering on long drives. It’s like having a co-pilot, but one that never needs a bathroom break.

Comparisons with Competitors

Let’s see how the EX30 stacks up against its rivals. We’ll pit it against some top contenders in the electric SUV market.

2025 Mini Countryman Electric

The 2025 Mini Countryman Electric brings a fresh spin to the iconic brand. This compact SUV packs a punch with its all-electric powertrain. It keeps the fun-to-drive spirit Mini is known for, but now with zero emissions.

The new Countryman Electric sports a sleek design that turns heads on the road. Inside, you’ll find a mix of classic Mini charm and modern tech. The cabin is roomy, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

Under the hood, the Countryman Electric doesn’t disappoint. It offers quick acceleration and nimble handling, perfect for city driving or weekend getaways. The electric range is competitive, letting you go far on a single charge.

Charging is also a breeze, with fast-charging options available. Mini has packed this car with safety features too, including lane keep assist and automated emergency braking. All in all, the 2025 Mini Countryman Electric is a solid choice for those wanting a stylish, eco-friendly ride.

2025 Kia Niro EV

The 2025 Kia Niro EV stands out in the electric car market. It offers a mix of style and function that’s hard to beat. This compact SUV boasts a sleek design and roomy interior. Its electric powertrain delivers smooth, quiet rides without gas station stops.

Under the hood, the Niro EV packs a punch. It matches the Volvo EX30’s power output of 201 hp. The Niro EV also aims for a similar range, though exact figures aren’t out yet. Kia’s focus on tech shines through with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

These perks make long drives a breeze. For eco-conscious drivers, the Niro EV promises low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions.

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric stands as a strong rival to the Volvo EX30. This compact SUV boasts impressive specs, including a range that matches the EX30’s. Its electric motor churns out 201 horsepower, less than the EX30’s 268 hp.

But don’t count it out yet.

Kona Electric shines in its own right. It offers a roomy interior with ample cargo space, perfect for weekend getaways. The car’s sleek design turns heads, while its advanced safety features keep you secure on the road.

Plus, its competitive price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking to go green.

2025 Volvo EX30 Review Wrap-Up

The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a welcome addition to the ever increasing offerings of electric vehicles. I like that it’s a small CUV, more like a small hatchback that’s a bit higher. It’s pretty fun to drive and has a decent range. It does have a few drawbacks like relying heavily on the touchscreen and despite it being Volvo’s most affordable EV offering, it’s still priced quite high.

2025 Volvo EX30 Single Motor Review Photo Gallery

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