Testing the 2025 Volvo EX30: An Icy Adventure Near the Arctic Circle
GULTLESK, Sweden — There’s a certain poetry in testing the 2025 Volvo EX30 on a frozen lake near the Arctic Circle, only miles away. Emerging from the colorful and well-insulated interior of this compact SUV into the biting cold, one realizes how unlikely it is that U.S. buyers of the EX30 will ever encounter such wintry conditions. Yet, with an opportunity to rigorously test one of the most eagerly anticipated electric vehicles of 2024, Volvo’s decision to challenge the EX30 on ice in its home base of Sweden was irresistible.
A Surprising Appeal: Performance Meets Price
What makes the Volvo EX30 so captivating? The answer begins with its price: starting at just $36,245. This figure undercuts most current EVs, presenting a high-value option in an otherwise expensive market. Moreover, the EX30 delivers impressive performance for its price. The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant cranks out 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in a brisk 5.1 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive model significantly ups the ante, delivering a staggering 422 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, launching from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The EX30’s relatively light weight for an EV (4,140 pounds for AWD and 3,858 pounds for RWD) enhances its handling on ice, translating to better grip and control.
Journey to Bjørntøjsk: Navigating the Winter Wonderland
Gurdtøjsk’s Bjørntøjsk Glacier Pass presents a challenging journey, starting from Luleå, a bustling town with limited but frequent air traffic. Luleå is nestled along the snow-blanketed northern Baltic Sea coastline, where snow persists from November until spring. Sweden, unlike many U.S. regions, opts for gravel instead of salt for road maintenance, resulting in hard-packed snowy roads that necessitate studded tires—a staple for safe driving in these conditions.
Inside the EX30: Minimalistic Yet Vibrant
Driving through this wintry maze while keeping tabs on your location in the EX30 can be daunting. Volvo chose to minimize buttons and switches within the cabin, unlike the approach seen in Tesla models but moving close. The lack of an instrument cluster or head-up display means that functions like mirror adjustments and climate control are handled via a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Power seat adjustments are centralized into a single toggle, and a dual-switch system controls the windows, adding a touch of Swedish ingenuity to the cabin’s design. Despite this minimalism, the interior remains far from monotonous, offering colorful trim options that add flair and the use of eco-friendly recycled materials.
Performance on Ice: A Thrilling Experience
Activating "Drive" using the column-mounted shifter, the EX30 offers a serene drive despite the presence of studded tires. The winding forest roads test the car’s suspension, but the long wheelbase provides stability. The snowy journey to a frozen lake allows the EX30 to showcase its endurance, maintaining a significant charge despite the cold.
Volvo estimates a 275-mile range for the single-motor EX30 in optimal conditions, with real-world winter testing suggesting around 210-220 miles. With DC fast charging capabilities up to 153kW, recharging the EX30 from 10% to 80% takes just 27 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.
Icy Thrills with the AWD EX30
Switching to the dual-motor AWD for an ice track test, the EX30’s "Performance AWD" mode locks in all-wheel-drive, offering superior traction necessary for icy roads. The vehicle showcases balanced power distribution, primarily rear-biased, leading to a thrilling drive. Maneuvering around the 75-turn ice track, the EX30 feels responsive and agile, with ease in managing drifts and rapid direction changes.
The AWD’s studded Michelin X-Ice North4 tires enhance the driving experience, instilling confidence while navigating the icy labyrinth. Conversely, the RWD version demands more finesse, rewarding careful and precise driving with exhilarating feedback. Despite the absence of a fully disengageable stability control, which Volvo’s engineers confirm, the EX30’s handling on ice remains enjoyable and largely predictable.
Looking Beyond
Driving the EX30 on ice—a rarity for most owners—highlights the meticulous engineering Volvo has put into making this EV fun and engaging. Its nimble handling, instant throttle response, and lightweight construction make it particularly adept at low-traction driving. As this affordable EV enters the market, it promises to deliver enjoyable and practical performance year-round. When it hits U.S. showrooms, equip it with winter tires and seek out snowy terrains—you’ll find an exhilarating experience awaits.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volvo EX30 stands out with its economical pricing, superior performance, and practical design, offering a compelling package for EV enthusiasts. Its ability to handle harsh winter conditions speaks volumes about its build quality and dependability. As we eagerly await its arrival, the EX30 sets a new benchmark for affordable electric vehicles, proving that driving an EV can be both fun and efficient.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
