A few weeks before its reveal, the new Volvo EX30 reveals some of its technical characteristics. Starting with its autonomy, which will approach the 500 km mark in order to compete in particular with the Jeep Avenger.
From 2030, Volvo will stop selling thermal cars within its range, in order to focus solely on electrics. But the firm will have to enrich its catalog, for the time being composed of the C40 and XC40 Recharge as well as the large EX90, replacing the internal combustion XC90.
Two types of batteries
And that’s pretty good, because the Swedish manufacturer is currently working on launch of a completely new model. This is the EX30, which will take the shape of a small SUV located below the XC40 in the range, and of which we have just published a first image exclusively thanks to one of our readers.
If until then, the firm had not revealed a lot of information about it, now we finally know a little more. And this thanks to the journalists of the British site Coach.
They were able to discuss with Anders Nyth, in charge of the “sustainable development” division of the Scandinavian brand. The man was not stingy with information and explains bluntly that the compact SUV will be available with two different batteries from its launch. Even better, the spokesperson doesn’t hesitate to give more interesting details.
The smaller battery will have a capacity of 51 kWh and will use LFP (lithium – iron – phosphate) technology. A chemistry that offers good durability and faster charging, while being less expensive. It is particularly acclaimed by Stellantis as well as Ford, which now equips its Mustang Mach-E with it. A second accumulator will also be offered, this time with a capacity of 69 kWh.
It will beNMC technology (nickel – iron – phosphate), which offers greater energy density. Concretely, this means that it is possible to store more electricity without the pack necessarily being larger and heavier.
Correct autonomy
According to the spokesperson, the Swedish SUV which will compete in particular with the Jeep Avenger and other Peugeot e-2008 will display a range of up to 298 miles, which is equivalent to approximately 480 kilometers. For the record, its competitors from Stellantis are limited to 400 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. We can expect a range of around 350 km for the smaller battery. Two variants will be proposed for the motorization, in rear-wheel drive and with all-wheel drive.
Anders Nyth also explains that the manufacturer will use the blockchain in order to check the origin of the lithium and other battery components. Indeed, these materials are often extracted in unethical conditions, in developing and often very poor countries. The firm does not yet intend to do like Tesla, which will refine its own lithium.
Confirmed by Volvo CEO Jim Rowan last December, the new Volvo EX30 will be based on the Geely Group SEA platformwhich notably equips the new Smart #1, with its 440 km of autonomy, and the Zeekr X with 450 km of autonomy.
We do not yet know the performance of the future electric SUV, which could develop around 268 horsepower. But for the moment, nothing has been confirmed. It should be about 4.25 meters long and hunt on the land of Hyundai Kona and other Renault Mégane E-Tech.
Officially unveiled on June 7, the new Volvo EX30 could also compete with the future Tesla Model 2, which is still awaited. We don’t know its price yet, but the brand’s spokesperson explains thatit will be possible to take out a subscriptiondesigned to attract the youngest drivers.
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