New 2023 Volvo EX30 electric SUV teased ahead of 7 June reveal
Volvo has revealed new information on the interior of its baby EX30 electric SUV
The new Volvo EX30 is due to be fully unveiled on 7 June, so to whet our appetite for the big event, the Swedish brand has run us through the interior of its latest EV.
Despite being Volvo’s entry-level electric SUV, the EX30 will gain the latest technology available on the firm’s vehicles. Although it’ll feature fresh design, there will be plenty of crossover with Volvo’s recently unveiled flagship electric car - the EX90.
Volvo says the EX30 ‘has a stylish interior that embraces sustainable thinking’, but also has ‘an array of smart storage ideas to deliver a big-car experience with less.” One of the examples of Volvo’s solutions to storage is the relocation of the glove box to the centre of the dash so it’s easier for the driver to access.
Another is the sliding centre console combined with an open lower section and in the boot there’s even a size guide to make sure any flat-pack furniture will fit. There are also no speakers in the doors (relocated to a new soundbar on the top of the dash) and the window switches have been moved to the centre console.
On the centre of the dash sits a new 12.3-inch display which contains driver-relevant information such as speed and charge levels. Functions such as media or sat-nav are located in the bottom section of the screen. Volvo says a ‘calm’ mode will remove most information to help the driver focus. Along with in-built Google programmes like Google Maps and Google Play, the EX30 will also be the first Volvo to get wireless Apple CarPlay.
In terms of customisation, Volvo will offer four ‘rooms’ for the EX30. One of the rooms incorporates waste produce from the denim recycling process. Sustainable materials can be located throughout the inside of the EX30, such as recycled plastic made from things like roller shutters and seats that use responsibly sourced wool.
Volvo has already given us a few teaser images of the EX30's exterior. We can immediately see that it will receive similar rear-end treatment to the larger EX90 SUV, as well as the XC40. That means a sharply angled hatchback and the brand’s signature tail-light motif. The front end will use a full-width light bar - in the same vein as the EX90’s. Our exclusive image shows this on a downsized version of Volvo’s typical SUV profile.
Recent spy shots from China would appear to confirm these details, along with a typically bluff front end that will incorporate some of the styling evolution introduced on the EX90. Expect the new arrival to measure around 4.25 metres in length, giving Volvo a rival to everything from the latest Hyundai Kona to forthcoming larger electric MINI models.
We’ve already seen much of the EX30’s technical make-up, thanks to the reborn Smart brand. Its first model, the #1, uses the same underpinnings, a modular all-electric platform from parent firm Geely called Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). As a result, expect the EX30 to be offered as either a 268bhp model with single rear-mounted motor, or as a four-wheel-drive car with around 420bhp.
The Smart’s 68kWh battery would be enough for the EX30’s city-focused buyers and should mean a range of around 250 miles. It will also offer 150kW charging, allowing a 10-to-80 per cent refill in less than half an hour.
Now read more about the upcoming Volvo EX90...
