THIS week the minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced that Gvt will invest in the rollout of electric vehicles.
Hardly hours after the declaration, Volvo South Africa launched its latest XC30 on Thursday.
In 2023 XC40 recharge was the best-selling fully electric vehicle, and the more affordable EX30 looks poised to improve on its larger sibling’s numbers in 2024.
Thus far has attracted 150 pre-orders when the order books opened late last year, and 52 units were registered in the country last month, according to Naamsa. Now that’s a good story to tell.
At the media launch held at Victoria Yards, Jozi, Volvo SA headhoncho Greg Maruszewski, told this reporter “those are good news for the production of electric vehicles in SA” when asked on his reaction on the address by the minister that EV has the future in this country.
Back to the all new EX30, it carries the unique distinction of being the fastest accelerating production car that Volvo has made to date, reaching 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds.
Unfortunately, we did not have the luxury to test drive it but one thing is certain: the sharply styled EX30 has the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date.
“We’re excited to launch the new EX30 in South Africa as part of the first wave of this important new model’s global rollout. We believe that the EX30 will become one of our best-selling models as we continue to work towards our local and global sustainability ambitions,” continued the relaxed Maruszewski, clad in a jean and sneakers.
The mid-spec Plus grade adds ambient interior lighting, wireless smartphone charging, a 1040W Harman Kardon premium sound system, power-operated tailgate, two-zone climate control and automated parking.
The flagship Ultra specification lays on additional luxuries such as a fixed panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, a 360° parking camera, Park Pilot Assist and a 22kW onboard charger (up from 11kW).
The base EX30 Core Single Motor model produces outputs of 200kW and 343Nm, for a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. This rear-wheel-drive model is rated with a 344km range on a charge from its 51kWh battery pack.
The rest of the line-up uses a 69kWh battery pack that increases range to 476km.
The Twin Motor Performance models are all-wheel drive with a second electric motor at the front, with peak outputs raised to 315kW and 543Nm. With the 3.6 second 0-100km/h time, the range is a claimed 460km.
There are no buttons on the dashboard or an instrument panel in front of the driver. All functions are bundled into a 12.3-inch central touchscreen tablet running an Android-powered infotainment system and wireless update functionality.
The only physical controls are switches for the windows and central locking on the centre armrest, while the audio volume and a few menu functions can be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel.
South Africa is one of the first countries where the EX30 is going on sale, it was confirmed by Maruszewski.
Volvo EX30 recommended pricing for the five different models in the range are as follows:
- EX30 Core Single Motor – R775 900,
- EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range – R865 900,
- EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance – R935 900,
- EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range – R965 900,
- EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance – R995 900.
It comes with a 5-year/100 000km Volvo Warranty and Maintenance Plan, as well as 5-year/unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance, DataDot and Volvo On Call (SOS Roadside Assistance & 24/7 365 Personal Concierge).
The battery pack is further covered by an 8-year warranty.
Orders for the new EV can be placed online here.
Images (Volvo SA headhoncho Greg Maruszewski addressing media at the EX30 launch held at Victoria Yards, Jozi).
