From CNET: The newly debuted Volvo EX30 is many things. It's the Swedish automaker's newest dedicated EV model. It's the new entry point for the brand and, with a surprisingly affordable price tag, Volvo expects it will eventually be one of its best sellers. The EX30 is also the brand's smallest SUV and its quickest vehicle yet, with a claimed 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds. It's kind of a big deal.
The EX30 is a little guy and Volvo's smallest SUV yet. At 166.7 inches from bumper to bumper, it's a little more than 8 inches shorter than the already compact XC40 and C40 SUVs. However, unlike the 40 Series, this new model was designed from the ground up as an EV, built on an electrified platform, which enabled Volvo's designers to stretch the wheelbase to 104.3 inches -- only 2 inches short of its larger sibling -- which should help it retain pretty good interior volume for its class.
The EX30 will launch with a single-option 69 kilowatt-hour battery pack (of which 64 kWh is usable). In its base configuration, that battery powers a single 268-horsepower electric motor sending a healthy 253 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Volvo estimates this rear-driven EX30 spec will hustle from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.1 seconds and cruise for 275 EPA-estimated miles between charges. It boasts a decent 153-kilowatt charging capacity, so owners can expect DC fast charges from 10% to 80% in around 27 minutes.
Volvo will also offer the EX30 in an all-wheel drive configuration, which adds a second 154-horsepower electric motor to the front axle. This dual motor spec steps up to 422 hp combined and 400 lb-ft of torque, enough grunt to launch to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. That makes this little pocket rocket Volvo's fastest-accelerating model, which is impressive. However, the dual-motor EX30 pays a weight and efficiency penalty, dropping to a still respectable 265 miles per charge.
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