The 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor is Fast, Furious and Minimalistic
About this episode
The Volvo EX30 is a compact, fully electric vehicle that blends functionality with a playful design. With a starting price of $48,395, it boasts impressive performance, including a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. The minimalist interior features a heavy reliance on digital controls, which may frustrate some users. Despite its small size, the EX30 excels in urban environments, offering excellent visibility and maneuverability. The episode covers its driving dynamics, safety features, and design elements, while also addressing the challenges of its tech-heavy interface.
Looking for a compact machine to rule the city? Volvo's EX30 is the perfect tool. The brand might be known for safety, but the all-electric EX30 with Twin Motor power is a pocket rocket, the fastest accelerating Volvo ever. Built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (or SEA) it's E.P.A. rated at 253 miles as tested. Tom Voelk checks out a loaded Ultra Twin Motor model and finds a fun runabout that could use a few hard controls. Get used to saying "Hey Google". A lot.
Volvo EX30
"...I'm here to tell you all about the new Volvo EX30. It's got some surprises... This is Volvo's least expensive electric vehicle, though it's not exactly cheap."
The Volvo EX30 is a new small electric car from Volvo. It's designed to be easy to drive in the city and is one of their more affordable electric options.
The Volvo EX30 is a fully electric compact vehicle and represents Volvo's latest entry into the electric vehicle market. It is designed to be smaller and more affordable compared to other electric models, making it an attractive option for urban drivers.
Chevrolet C30
"...ompact vehicle the Swedes have produced since the C30. This footprint is similar to the late-great Chev..."
The Chevrolet C30 is a strong pickup truck that was made a long time ago, mainly in the 1970s and 1980s. It's known for being tough and able to carry heavy things, making it a favorite for people who need a reliable work vehicle. Many fans of old trucks like to talk about it because it has a lot of character and history.
The Chevrolet C30 is a heavy-duty pickup truck produced by Chevrolet, primarily known for its robust construction and capability, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. It is significant as it represents the classic American work truck, often used for towing and hauling heavy loads. The C30 is often discussed for its vintage appeal and the nostalgia it brings to truck enthusiasts.
Volvo C30
"...the most compact vehicle the Swedes have produced since the C30."
The Volvo C30 is a small hatchback car that Volvo used to make. It was known for its stylish look and fun driving experience, but it isn't made anymore.
The Volvo C30 was a compact hatchback produced by Volvo, known for its unique design and sporty performance. It was discontinued in 2013 and is often remembered for its distinctive styling and driving dynamics.
Chevy Bolt EV
"...similar to the late-great Chevy Bolt EV, around 3 inches wider and longer..."
The Chevy Bolt EV is a small electric car from Chevrolet. It's popular because it's affordable and can go a long distance on a single charge.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an all-electric subcompact hatchback known for its affordability and practicality. It offers a good range for daily driving and has been popular among budget-conscious electric vehicle buyers.
MSRP
"As tested, the MSRP on this dual-motor EX30 is $48,395."
MSRP is the price that the car manufacturer suggests for the vehicle. It's like a starting point for how much a car should cost, but the actual price can be higher or lower depending on the dealer.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that retailers sell a product for. It's a guideline for pricing but can vary based on dealer markups or discounts.
Volvo XC60
"That same amount of money will buy you a base model XC60, which is larger, though it does run on gas, and you can't get it in yellow."
The XC60 is a larger SUV from Volvo that uses gasoline instead of electricity. It's known for being comfortable and safe.
The Volvo XC60 is a compact luxury SUV that offers a balance of performance, comfort, and safety features. It's larger than the EX30 and is powered by traditional gasoline engines.
single-speed transmission
"It's a single-speed transmission."
A single-speed transmission is a system in some cars, especially electric ones, that doesn't change gears like traditional cars. It makes driving simpler because there's no shifting involved.
A single-speed transmission is a type of transmission that only has one gear ratio, which is commonly used in electric vehicles for simplicity and efficiency. This allows for smooth acceleration without the need for shifting gears.
dual-motor power
"For now, all U.S.-bound EX30s move with dual-motor power that cranks out a maximum 422 horsepower..."
Dual-motor power means the car has two electric motors that help it move. This setup makes the car faster and helps it grip the road better.
Dual-motor power refers to a vehicle setup where two electric motors are used to drive the wheels, enhancing performance, traction, and acceleration. This configuration is common in electric vehicles for improved handling and power distribution.
kilowatt-hour
"Volvo chooses a 64-kilowatt-hour floor-mounted pack."
A kilowatt-hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can hold. It tells you how long the battery can power the car before needing to be charged.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that represents the amount of energy consumed by a device using one kilowatt of power for one hour. In electric vehicles, the battery capacity is often measured in kilowatt-hours, indicating how much energy the battery can store.
one-pedal driving
"The driving experience can be tailored, just know you'll be using the screen a lot... The one-pedal driving setting..."
One-pedal driving means you can control the car's speed with just the gas pedal. When you take your foot off, the car slows down without needing to use the brake.
One-pedal driving is a feature in electric vehicles that allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. When the driver lifts off the pedal, the vehicle slows down significantly, often using regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
all-wheel drive
"the performance all-wheel drive mode, that's truth in advertising."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and handling in various driving conditions. It is especially beneficial in adverse weather conditions or off-road scenarios.
zero to 60-time
"Volvo claims a 3.4-second zero to 60-time. I think it's actually being conservative."
Zero to 60-time is how long it takes a car to go from not moving to going 60 miles per hour. It's a way to measure how fast a car can speed up.
The 'zero to 60-time' refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a car's acceleration capabilities.
suspension
"The suspension is on the firm side with a little bit of a springiness to the dynamic."
The suspension is the part of a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and keeps the tires on the road.
The suspension system of a vehicle is designed to support the weight of the car, absorb shocks from the road, and maintain tire contact with the ground for better handling and comfort.
performance tires
"resistance tires, and they don't grip as well as performance tires, obviously. That's not the EX-30's mission, though."
Performance tires are special tires that help cars grip the road better, especially when going fast or turning. They are made from softer materials that stick to the road more than regular tires.
Performance tires are designed to provide better grip and handling compared to standard tires, especially in high-speed and cornering situations. They typically have a softer rubber compound and a tread pattern optimized for traction.
Fiat 500e
"Unlike Fiat 500e, it has four doors. The Volvo slips into parking spaces, Ionic 5, and Model Y will leave behind."
The Fiat 500e is an electric car that looks like the small Fiat 500. It's made for driving in cities and doesn't produce any pollution while driving.
The Fiat 500e is an electric version of the popular Fiat 500 city car, designed for urban driving with a focus on efficiency and compactness. It offers a zero-emissions driving experience and is well-suited for city environments.
Ioniq 5
"The Volvo slips into parking spaces, Ionic 5, and Model Y will leave behind. Even in its most aggressive setting, the one-pedal driving dynamic isn't overly aggressive."
The Ioniq 5 is a new electric SUV from Hyundai. It has a cool design and is made to be very comfortable and easy to charge.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact crossover SUV that features a modern design and advanced technology. It is built on Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and offers a spacious interior with fast charging capabilities.
Tesla Model Y
"The Volvo slips into parking spaces, Ionic 5, and Model Y will leave behind. Even in its most aggressive setting, the one-pedal driving dynamic isn't overly aggressive."
The Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's similar to the Model 3 car but has more space and is designed for families.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It offers impressive range, performance, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
recuperation
"It is fine, which brings me to the brake-pedal modulation, switching from recuperation to the actual physical disc brakes."
Recuperation is when an electric car saves energy while slowing down. It helps recharge the battery a little bit when you brake.
Recuperation is a process in electric vehicles where energy is recovered during braking and converted back into electrical energy to recharge the battery. This helps improve the vehicle's overall efficiency and extends its driving range.
brake-pedal modulation
"It is fine, which brings me to the brake-pedal modulation, switching from recuperation to the actual physical disc brakes."
Brake-pedal modulation is how you can change how hard you press the brake pedal to stop the car. It helps you stop smoothly and safely.
Brake-pedal modulation refers to the ability to control the amount of braking force applied by varying the pressure on the brake pedal. This is important for achieving smooth stops and maintaining control during deceleration.
disc brakes
"It is fine, which brings me to the brake-pedal modulation, switching from recuperation to the actual physical disc brakes."
Disc brakes are a kind of brake that uses flat metal discs to help stop the car. They work well and stay cool, making them great for fast cars.
Disc brakes are a type of braking system that uses a metal disc and brake pads to create friction and slow down the vehicle. They are known for their effective cooling and consistent performance, especially in high-performance applications.
pavement heaps
"...short wheelbases like EX-30s means a choppy, bucking ride over speed bumps and pavement heaps..."
Pavement heaps are bumps or uneven parts of the road that can make a car ride feel rough. Cars with shorter distances between their front and back wheels often feel these bumps more.
Pavement heaps refer to uneven surfaces or bumps on the road that can disrupt a vehicle's ride quality. Vehicles with shorter wheelbases may experience a more pronounced impact from these irregularities.
dual motors
"...19-inch wheels and dual motors at 253 miles..."
Dual motors mean the car has two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the back. This helps the car go faster and handle better, especially in tricky conditions.
Dual motors refer to a vehicle's use of two electric motors, typically one for each axle, which can improve traction, acceleration, and overall performance. This setup is common in electric vehicles for enhanced driving dynamics.
EPA range
"...the EPA rates the range of this particular EX-30..."
EPA range is how far a car can go on a full charge or tank of gas, according to tests done by the government. It's important for knowing if a car can meet your driving needs.
EPA range refers to the estimated distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency. This metric is crucial for electric vehicles to gauge their efficiency and usability.
ADAS
"Bringing up ADAS safety tech. Of course, this is a Volvo."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are high-tech features in cars that help keep you safe while driving, like warning you if you're about to hit something or helping you stay in your lane.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems can include features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
automatic emergency braking
"You've got automatic emergency braking for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, large animals. Blind spot warning, which Volvo actually invented."
Automatic emergency braking is a feature that helps stop the car if it thinks you're about to crash. It can help avoid accidents or make them less serious.
Automatic emergency braking is a safety feature that detects an impending collision and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact. This technology is part of many modern vehicles' ADAS.
blind spot warning
"Blind spot warning, which Volvo actually invented. Plus, the semi-autonomous driving tech is pretty good."
Blind spot warning is a feature that tells you if there's a car in the area you can't see when you're changing lanes. It helps keep you safe on the road.
Blind spot warning is a safety feature that alerts drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot, helping to prevent accidents during lane changes. This technology was pioneered by Volvo.
semi-autonomous driving tech
"Plus, the semi-autonomous driving tech is pretty good."
Semi-autonomous driving tech means the car can help drive itself a little bit, like keeping you in your lane or adjusting speed. However, you still need to pay attention and be ready to take over.
Semi-autonomous driving technology refers to systems that allow a vehicle to control certain driving tasks without full driver input, such as maintaining speed and lane position. These systems can assist drivers but still require them to be attentive and ready to take control.
traffic jam assist
"And traffic jam assist takes on the heavy lifting when enduring rush hour commutes for those who can't work at home any longer."
Traffic jam assist helps your car drive itself in heavy traffic. It can speed up, slow down, and steer for you, making it easier to deal with stop-and-go situations.
Traffic jam assist is a driver assistance feature that helps the vehicle navigate in slow-moving traffic by controlling acceleration, braking, and steering. It allows the driver to relax during congested conditions, reducing fatigue.
Kia Niro
"...ainstream vehicle. Cars like Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EV are more affordable, but I can see why city dw..."
The Kia Niro is a small SUV that comes in different versions, including ones that use gas and ones that run on electricity. It's a good choice for city driving because it's affordable and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. Many people like it because it helps save on fuel costs and is better for the environment.
The Kia Niro is a compact crossover SUV that is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. It is significant for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among urban drivers looking for an efficient and versatile vehicle. The Niro's eco-friendly options and spacious interior contribute to its appeal in the growing market for sustainable transportation.
Hyundai Kona
"...high-volume mainstream vehicle. Cars like Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EV are more affordable, but I can se..."
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