The range, consisting of five models, will start at R775 900, and customers can submit their orders now. Although it is still a lot of money, the Volvo EX30, at this price, would be one of the cheapest EVs in South Africa at this stage. At this price, it will not be far off the price of the Mini Cooper SE EV.

Having just made its global premiere, the new, small SUV represents the cornerstone of Volvo’s electrification growth ambitions. It debuts as the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in a mere 3.6 seconds in 315 kW Twin Motor Performance guise.

The extended-range version of the Single Motor (rear-wheel drive) powertrain, meanwhile, is capable of covering up to 480 km on the WLTP cycle (the standard test procedure for certifications of EVs).

“We worked exceptionally hard to set EX30 pricing at what is unquestionably an extremely competitive level, granting South African consumers the opportunity to own a fully electric SUV for the price of a similarly sized internal combustion engine vehicle. Of course, the EX30 also offers all the luxury features you would expect from a Volvo, not to mention breathtaking levels of performance,” said Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa.

Delivering the high seating position most Volvo drivers prefer as well as space for up to five occupants, the new EX30 rides on the Swedish firm’s purpose-built modular Sustainable Electric Architecture and measures 4 233 mm long, 1 836 mm wide and 1 555 tall, with a wheelbase of 2 650 mm. That means it’s only 192 mm shorter from nose to tail than the XC40.

The interior design is modern, minimalistic and, like the recently launched C40 Recharge, rich in recycled and renewable materials.

In South Africa, both Single Motor and Twin Motor derivatives of the EX30 will be available, while battery choices will include high-voltage 51 kWh and 69 kWh units. Three trim levels (Core, Plus and Ultra) will be on offer, though even the base grade will provide generous levels of standard equipment.

The EX30 represents another significant step towards Volvo’s goal of half its global sales volume comprising fully electric cars by 2025, with the remainder taking the form of hybrids. By 2030, the Swedish firm plans for every new vehicle it sells to be completely electric, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to a zero-emission future.