The Volvo EX30, a new compact and affordable electric SUV, has taken the South African market by storm. Launched earlier this year, the EX30 has quickly become the country’s best-selling electric car, accounting for a whopping 30.8% of all EV sales in the first four months of 2024.
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This impressive performance has propelled Volvo to a dominant position in the South African EV market, with the brand capturing a remarkable 46% market share in the same period. This success can be attributed not only to the EX30’s affordability (starting at €775), but also to the strong contributions of existing Volvo electric models such as the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge.
The impact of the EX30 is undeniable. Without it, the South African EV market would have seen flat growth. Volvo claims that for every three electric cars sold in the first four months, one was an EX30. Furthermore, almost half (46%) of all electric vehicles registered in this period were Volvos.
Related: Review: Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance
Here’s a quick overview of the EX30 model range
EX30 core single motor: This entry-level variant accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Equipped with a 51 kWh battery, it generates 200 kW of power, 343 Nm of torque and offers a range of 344 km.
EX30 Plus single motor ER: With a slightly larger battery than the entry-level model, the EX30 Plus Single Motor ER achieves a 0-100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. The 69 kWh battery produces 200 kW and 343 Nm, giving an increased range of 480 km.
Performance of the EX30 Plus Twin Motor: Positioned as one of the fastest variants, the EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. It houses a 69 kWh battery and offers a range of 460 km.
EX30 Ultra single motor ER: The EX30 Ultra Single Motor ER has the same 69 kWh battery as the previous variant and has a range of 480 km. It achieves a 0-100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds.
EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance: The range-topping EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance features a 69kWh battery that produces 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque. With a range of 460km, this variant claims a 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds.
Volvo’s success extends beyond the pure electric segment. Its plug-in hybrid offerings, the XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge, captured 21.4% of the PHEV market share in the same period and have retained their top two positions from 2023 onwards.
This focus on electrification reflects Volvo’s global ambitions, which aim to have half of their global will sell fully electric by 2025, with the remaining half being hybrids. By 2030, the plan is for every new Volvo to be fully electric, reinforcing their commitment to a zero-emissions future.
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