Volvo lowers the bar for the EX30 with a new entry-level model

Volvo is changing things up for its smallest SUV in Europe. The 2026 Volvo EX30 is getting a new version that makes it easier for more people to buy. Some drivers always want more power, but Volvo thinks some people just want a stylish way to get around town without spending too much money. The new base model has less power than its siblings, but it should help the brand compete in the growing market for affordable electric cars.

The biggest news is the new motor. The entry-level EX30 gets only 110 kW (148 hp) or about 45% less power than the single-motor version available until now. The original single-motor version has 200 kW (268 hp), and the fast dual-motor version has 315 kW (422 hp). The new 110 kW (148 hp) motor is designed for city driving and daily commutes rather than racing between stoplights.

European buyers can pair the smaller motor with a 51 kWh battery, giving the car a range of 211 miles on a full charge. If you need to go further, you can choose the larger 69 kWh battery instead. With the bigger battery, the EX30 can travel up to 296 miles before it needs to plug in again. These numbers are based on the European WLTP testing cycle.

One cool new feature for the new version is Vehicle-to-Load, or V2L. This technology lets the car act like a giant mobile battery. If you have an optional adapter, you can plug electronics directly into the car. This means you could power an electric bike, a speaker for a party, or even camping gear using the energy stored in the car's battery. Volvo says this feature will start in certain countries first and will eventually come to older EX30 cars through a software update.

Inside the cabin, Volvo updated the screen you use to control everything. They redesigned the settings and menus to make them easier to use. There is also a new bar on the screen that you can change to show the apps you use most. If you already own an EX30, you don't have to buy a new car to get these updates - Volvo will send the new software to existing cars over the air this summer.

As well as the cheapest version, Volvo added a "Black Edition" trim to the EX30 lineup. Even though it is called the Black Edition, you can actually get it in three colors: Onyx Black, Vapour Grey, or Crystal White. This version gets rid of the shiny chrome parts. Instead, the 19-inch wheels, the Volvo logo on the front, and the letters on the back are all finished in glossy black, giving the small SUV a modern look.

If you prefer a brighter interior, there is a new option called "Harvest." Volvo says the colors are inspired by late summer evenings in Scandinavia. It features light-colored seats made from recycled textiles and a dashboard with dark wood-like trim. It is a nice alternative for people who find all-black interiors a bit boring.

To keep costs down and avoid extra taxes, Volvo moved production of the European cars - they are now built in Belgium instead of China. This helps the company avoid high import tariffs and should keep the price more stable for customers. We don't have that exact final price yet, but this new low-power version will definitely be the most affordable way to get into an electric Volvo.

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