Bjørn Nyland, a well-known electric car tester, took the high-performance Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance for a spin to see how far it could go on a single charge. The results weren’t quite what Volvo was hoping for.
The EX30 is supposed to travel up to 265 miles (according to EPA estimates) thanks to its 69 kWh battery. But during Bjørn’s test, which he conducted in fairly mild weather (around 57-59°F), the car fell short of that number. Here’s the breakdown:
At a steady 56 mph (90 km/h), the EX30 performed well, likely reaching a range close to the EPA estimate (the exact number wasn’t mentioned).
However, at highway speeds of 75 mph (120 km/h), the range dropped significantly. Bjørn found the car wouldn’t go much further than 200 miles on a single charge.
It’s important to note that Bjørn’s test car had 20-inch wheels, while the EPA estimate is based on a version with 19-inch wheels. Bigger wheels can slightly reduce a car’s electric range, so the EPA numbers might be a bit more optimistic.
Bjørn’s test suggests that the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance might not quite live up to its official range rating, especially on longer highway trips.
At a cruising speed of 56 mph, the EX30 did well, reaching an estimated range of 222 miles. This is closer to what Volvo advertises (based on EPA estimates).
But things changed on the highway. When Bjørn pushed the car to 75 mph, the range dropped significantly. The EX30 could only manage about 166 miles on a single charge, which is a 25% decrease from the slower speed. Bjørn thinks this drop is due to the car using more energy at higher speeds.
Bjørn also compared the EX30 to other electric cars. The Smart #3 Brabus achieved a similar range under similar conditions. However, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range blew both of them away. Tesla went much further with a single charge, even though it was tested in colder weather! It seems that Tesla’s efficiency is simply better. It’s important to note, though, that the Tesla had smaller wheels, which can help with range.
Bjørn’s test suggests that the EX30 Twin Motor Performance might not be the best option for long road trips, especially if you plan on driving at highway speeds.