Living With An EV – Volvo EX30 - THE AFRICAN CHRONICLE

By Prashirwin Naidu

In my long-term report and time spent with my cherished Volvo EX30, it’s safe to say I finally understand why EVs might be the future. Don’t get me wrong, ICE cars will always have a place. Machines like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio still tell a story of raw performance, engagement, and pure theatre.

But EVs? They’re more linear, more convenient, and ultimately less fuss, well, most of the time.

Volvo recently swapped my EX30 for another variant, this time the Single Motor, producing 200 kW and 343 Nm. Impressive figures in their own right, and honestly, I found it less harsh and less spine-bending than the Twin Motor version with 315 kW and 543 Nm, capable of a face-stretching 0–100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The single motor does it in 5.3 seconds, which is still plenty quick.

To be fair, it’s actually quite tricky to tell them apart in day-to-day driving. I’ve scratched my head more than once trying to figure out whether this compact EV is “Speedy Gonzales” or not. A good problem to have, I suppose.

At this point, it almost feels like this is my car. I’ve driven the EX30 so often, this is my fourth stint with it and I’m still discovering new things. Yet every time I hop in, I’m genuinely happy to cart this silent little powerhouse around town. A road trip is definitely on my mind next, just to test range anxiety and see how it handles long-distance cruising.

This particular test unit is in Ultra trim, and I adore it. Especially in black, those sharp LED lights almost blur into your soul. At night, when you approach it, the car lights up in stages, like an excited child or a tail-wagging Labrador ready to greet its owner.

Of course, it’s not a furry friend, more like a stealthy chariot. I always get flashes of Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider. All I’m missing is the leather jacket and curly afro to complete the look.

Design-wise, the EX30 is beautifully streamlined. The proportions are spot-on, and the 20-inch 5-spoke glossy black diamond-cut alloys are stunning. My favourite angle has to be the rear, clean, modern, tidy, futuristic, without being over the top.

Inside, the cabin is pretty and simple. The infotainment system, however, does require some patience. I get the whole “minimalist, future-forward” idea, but having to access everything via the screen can be a bit frustrating. Still, you eventually adapt. Our test unit arrived with just under 2,700 km on the clock; I’ve now taken it to almost 3,000 km and plan to rack up more during this test period.

Comfort-wise, the use of recycled materials is impressive, from the seats to the cabin plastics. The creamy-coloured seats in our unit were a lovely touch and lifted the interior ambience nicely.

Charging has been fair so far. I’ve managed to get through the entire week without plugging in yet. But in the next update, I’ll dive deeper into running costs, charging habits, and whether range anxiety is something we’ll ever fully shake. EVs aren’t like ICE cars, you can’t just roam freely. You need to be intentional about where you’re going and where your next charge will be.

Volvo EX30 South Africa – Pricing (2025)

• EX30 Single Motor Core (51 kWh) – R775,900
• EX30 Single Motor Plus (51 kWh) – R835,900
• EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Plus (69 kWh) – R895,900
• EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra (69 kWh) – R955,900
• EX30 Twin Motor Performance Plus (69 kWh) – R935,900
• EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra (69 kWh) – R995,900

On the road, the EX30 remains composed, swift, and fun, zero hassle. And that’s exactly why I’ve grown fond of it. If you’re considering one and need any specifics, you’re welcome to email me at Prashirwin@icloud.com.

Volvo’s Swedish charm continues to shine through. This compact EV has genuinely grown on me, and I’m looking forward to exploring it even more over the next few weeks. © HigherEducationMedia