The Volvo EX30 has firmly established itself in the UK market since its launch, moving from an anticipated pre-order model to a key player in the electric SUV segment. As the smallest vehicle in Volvo's lineup, it sits below the popular XC40 and C40 crossovers, offering a compelling blend of minimalist design, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
This fully electric compact SUV tackles fierce competition by upholding Volvo's legendary safety standards, now backed by an official Euro NCAP rating. It provides excellent equipment to keep you connected and secure on every drive, all while boasting the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date.
Our updated 2025 EX30 review highlights the latest specifications, performance data, and model variants so you can decide if this is the best electric car for you and your needs.
Developed on Geely Holding's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the EX30 shares its platform with other models in the Geely Group but has a distinctly Volvo identity. It has a total length of 4233mm and a width of 2032mm with mirrors out, making it compact yet spacious.
Volvo has confirmed the EX30 has the lowest lifetime carbon footprint of any fully electric Volvo car to date, with a life-cycle assessment of just 23 tonnes per 200,000km. This is achieved through its smaller size and significant use of recycled materials: around 25% of all aluminium, 17-20% of all steel, and about 17% of all plastics are from recycled sources.
The exterior design is clean and modern. The iconic Thor's Hammer automatic LED headlights frame a closed-off front end, proudly displaying the central Volvo badge. The interior continues the sustainable theme, with decor parts using recycled plastics and renewable surfaces.
Inside, the EX30 embraces a minimalist aesthetic. A squared-off sport steering wheel features multifunction controls, while most vehicle functions are managed through the central 12.3-inch touchscreen. This removes the need for a traditional driver display, creating a clear, uncluttered view of the road ahead. A "Calm View" mode can strip the screen back to only essential driving information for minimal distraction.
The Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, standard on Plus and Ultra trims, is a standout feature. It uses a powerful 1,040-watt amplifier and nine high-performance speakers, including a full-width soundbar across the dashboard and a boot-mounted subwoofer, to deliver immersive, high-quality audio.
Comfort varies by trim. Core models have manually adjustable front seats with fixed lumbar support. The Ultra trim upgrades this to fully power-adjustable front seats, with the driver also benefiting from power-adjustable lumbar support and a memory function.
Despite its compact size, the EX30 is practical. It offers 318 litres of boot space with the rear seats up. Folding them down expands the load volume to a generous 904 litres. The 60/40 rear seat split allows for flexible configurations of passengers and cargo.
Those in the front seats are able to utilise the heated seat function and two zone climate control to get comfortable regardless of the weather outside of the car. Standard seats give you fixed lumbar support, plus fore/aft and backrest recline for both front seats. Additionally the driver seat has height adjustment.
Upgrading to the Ultra trim adds electrically adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger alongside height and tilt adjustments plus multi-directional lumbar support for the driver. The driver seat also gains a memory function to make it even easier to get into the right position for every drive.
The EX30 offers as much as 400 litres of boot space when measured up to the roof, or 318 litres to the glass line. If you fold all of the rear seats down this opens up to 904 litres to the roof and 622 litres to the glass line, a huge amount of space in the smallest car in Volvo's range. The 60/40 rear seat split allows you to customise the space to whoever and whatever is travelling with you with ease.
For 2025, the Volvo EX30 is available with three distinct electric powertrains, allowing you to prioritise range, performance, or cost.
The entry-level Single Motor model features a 51kWh battery and a 272hp motor driving the rear wheels. It delivers an official WLTP combined range of up to 209.4 miles, making it ideal for city driving and regular commutes.
For those undertaking longer journeys, the Single Motor Extended Range pairs the same 272hp motor with a larger 69kWh battery. This significantly boosts the official WLTP range to an impressive 295.8 miles. This powertrain also includes an energy-saving heat pump as standard, which helps optimise range in colder conditions.
Topping the range is the Twin Motor Performance model. It uses the 69kWh battery but adds a second electric motor to the front axle, creating an all-wheel-drive system with a combined output of 428hp. This makes it the fastest-accelerating Volvo
While official WLTP figures provide a standard for comparison, real-world charging speed is crucial for EV ownership. The EX30 performs well here, with all versions supporting a peak DC fast-charging speed of 153kW.
Volvo states that a 10-80% charge can be achieved in as little as 26 minutes for the Single Motor and 28 minutes for the Extended Range and Performance models. Independent tests confirm these times are achievable, though they also reveal that the charging power begins to decrease after reaching about 50% state of charge. For example, measured tests show the charging rate can drop from over 135kW at 30% to around 67kW by 70%. This is typical for many EVs and ensures battery health, but it's a useful factor to consider when planning stops on a long journey.
The Volvo EX30 is available in three trim levels for the UK market: Core, Plus, and Ultra.
The entry-level Core trim starts from £32,850, offering exceptional value. Standard equipment is generous, including 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with active high beam, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and one-pedal driving capability.
The mid-range Plus trim, starting from £33,795, adds a host of desirable features. These include a power-operated tailgate, two-zone climate control, front parking sensors, wireless phone charging, and the Harman Kardon Premium Sound system. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also included for extra comfort.
The top-tier Ultra trim starts at £42,045 and equips the EX30 with the full suite of technology and luxury. Key upgrades include a fixed panoramic sunroof, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, dark-tinted rear windows, power-adjustable front seats, and a 360-degree camera with 3D view. It also features Park Pilot Assist for automated parking and a faster 22kW on-board charger for AC charging.
All models feature a 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen with Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to apps on Google Play. This comes with a complimentary four-year digital services subscription covering the required mobile data.
Living up to the brand's reputation, the Volvo EX30 achieved a maximum 5-star safety rating when tested by Euro NCAP in December 2024. It scored impressively across all categories, with 88% for Adult Occupant protection, 85% for Child Occupant, and 80% for its Safety Assist systems.
The detailed report noted that the passenger compartment remained stable in frontal crash tests, offering good protection for the knees and femurs of front occupants. However, in the full-width rigid barrier test, protection for the rear passenger's chest was rated as marginal.
This 5-star rating is underpinned by Volvo's Safe Space Technology, which comes as standard. This comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems uses a network of cameras and radars to support the driver and prevent collisions. Key features include Collision Avoidance and Mitigation by braking and steering, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, and a Door Opening Alert to protect cyclists from passing traffic.
The Volvo EX30 is available in three trim levels for the UK market: Core, Plus, and Ultra.
The entry-level Core trim starts from £32,850, offering exceptional value. Standard equipment is generous, including 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with active high beam, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and one-pedal driving capability.
The mid-range Plus trim, starting from £33,795, adds a host of desirable features. These include a power-operated tailgate, two-zone climate control, front parking sensors, wireless phone charging, and the Harman Kardon Premium Sound system. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also included for extra comfort.
The top-tier Ultra trim starts at £42,045 and equips the EX30 with the full suite of technology and luxury. Key upgrades include a fixed panoramic sunroof, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, dark-tinted rear windows, power-adjustable front seats, and a 360-degree camera with 3D view. It also features Park Pilot Assist for automated parking and a faster 22kW on-board charger for AC charging.
All models feature a 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen with Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to apps on Google Play. This comes with a complimentary four-year digital services subscription covering the required mobile data.
The Volvo EX30 is no longer just a promising newcomer; it is a highly competitive and compelling option in the small electric SUV market. With its competitive pricing, strong performance options, and now a confirmed 5-star safety rating, it represents a complete and attractive package.
The EX30 is now fully available to purchase, with delivery times varying by specification, typically ranging from 4 to 19 weeks. The teams at Volvo Aberdeen, Volvo Dundee, and Volvo Edinburgh are on hand to answer any questions you have about the Volvo EX30, show you the full Volvo model range, and accompany you on a test drive.
