Category: Volvo

Apr 22

The Volvo EX30 Takes On The Hyundai Kona Electric And The Winner Isn’t Obvious

The Electrifying YouTube channel decided to roll out the Hyundai Kona Electric for a head-to-head comparison of the features, capabilities, and pricing with the new Volvo EX30. While at first glance, you might expect the EX30 to come away with a major win, this is not a one-sided comparison by any means.

A Quick Takeaway of the EX30 and Kona Electric

The EX30 has fast charge speeds and is more attractive inside and out, but it is not spacious and has an overreliance on the central touchscreen. The Kona has a longer driving range, heads-up-display, large rear seat and excellent V2L features.

Regarding styling, both hosts agree that the EX30 easily takes the win. The Volvo has a nice clean look, even if it isn’t particularly bold or exciting. Nicki describes the Volvo’s overall aesthetic as having a “kind of coherent, Scandinavian finish to it.” Nicola especially appreciates the EX30’s 20-inch wheels, even if they aren’t the most efficient option.

When it comes to the Kona Electric’s aesthetics, the car takes a bit of a beating from front to back. The first punch is thrown at the Kona’s forward-facing, off-center charge port. “It’s not the most coherent car,” Nicola says. “It’s bubbly at the front, jiggy-jagged down the side, and has a little booty in the back.”2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Interior

On the interior, the hosts have differing tastes. The Kona Electric has a perfectly functional interior, with a nice driver’s cockpit. Most importantly for Nicola, most functions in the Kona are tied to actual buttons rather than the central screen. Nicki feels that while buttons are nice, the Kona’s cockpit is overkill and criticizes the interior for being too grey.

While the Kona might go too far in one direction, the EX30 takes it to the extreme in the other direction. Almost all primary functions are assigned to the 12.3-inch screen. Nicola is not a particular fan of this Tesla-styled cockpit “I just want a nob and a button. That’s all I’m asking for.”

Nicki and Nicola can agree that the Hyundai’s heads-up display is great, and are disappointed that it is not available on the Volvo.

The rear seat of the Kona is also a clear winner. The little Hyundai is nice and roomy with heated seats and plenty of ports including a vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet. The rear of the EX30 does have good headroom thanks to the panoramic sunroof. But legroom is very tight and the Volvo lacks heated rear seats and a V2L outlet.

Both vehicles have small but quite functional frunks. Whereas the trunk space comparison is a blowout, with the Kona holding 466L and the EX30 only carrying 318L.

On the road, the Volvo drives very well, feeling a bit quicker than the Hyundai. They’re driving the single-motor rear-wheel drive version here, which has 272 hp and feels surprisingly sporty. The twin motor version does have better performance, but even the single motor EX30 has a respectable 5.3 second 0-60 time.

The Hyundai does not have the same level of performance, with 215 hp and a 7.8 second 0-60 time. The Kona Electric is also front-wheel drive and is prone to frequent tire squeals and loss of traction if you gun it from a standstill. Constantly pinging driver alert notifications are also irritating and go off for everything from slightly wandering eyes, hugging too close to lane markers and every single speed limit change. Still, the regen paddles are a nice feature and the ride itself is very good for a car this size and this price range.

On range and charging, there is a split decision. The Kona has a driving range of 319 miles WLTP range and takes 41 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%. The EX30 has a 295-mile WLTP range but takes only 28 minutes to charge 10-80% at a DCFC.

In the end, there are two recommendations: for those with children, the Hyundai Kona Electric is the obvious answer thanks to its larger rear seat and trunk space. For couples and singles, the Volvo EX30 is the way to go.

Feb 18

Volvo XC40 Triumphs as Best Small SUV Under $80K for 2024

A Consistent Winner

For four consecutive years, the Volvo XC40 has captured the title of the 2024 Drive Car of the Year for Best Small SUV under $80K. This achievement underscores the XC40’s exceptional performance in a segment where the competition is fierce, particularly among Australian buyers who seek a blend of affordability and luxury.

Why the XC40 Stands Out

The XC40 excels by offering a rich array of features in a compact package, making it a versatile choice for various driving needs. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on country drives, this SUV delivers a rewarding experience that consistently meets rising consumer expectations for performance, luxury, and technology.

Competition and Consistency

Facing strong contenders such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and BMW X1, the XC40’s blend of premium features and build quality sets it apart. Its combination of comfort, performance, and advanced technology makes it a standout choice, with its high-quality cabin and balanced chassis earning praise from industry experts.

An Impressive Legacy

With its fourth win, the XC40’s legacy as a leading small SUV is firmly established. Its continuous success highlights Volvo’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles that meet and exceed the demands of modern drivers, making it a top choice in its segment.

Key Features and Practicality

Priced between $54,990 and $85,990, the XC40 offers excellent value with features such as LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a high-quality cabin. Its practical design includes ample cargo space and impressive towing capacity, ensuring it meets a wide range of needs for families and individuals alike.

Future Prospects

As Volvo moves towards an all-electric future, the XC40 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a petrol option with solid performance and efficiency. Its refined design and advanced features ensure it continues to be a top contender in the competitive small SUV market.

By incorporating these updates and focusing on the XC40’s unique strengths, the content not only maintains originality but also provides readers with engaging and informative insights about this award-winning vehicle.

Jan 18

Volvo’s CEO Optimistic About Future of Electric Vehicles Amid Industry Challenges

Volvo’s Bold Vision for Electric Vehicles

Volvo Cars is setting ambitious targets for its electric vehicle (EV) sales, aiming for half of its sales to be EVs by next year, with a strategic goal of transitioning to an entirely EV-focused manufacturer by 2030. This optimistic outlook persists despite some analysts and competitors suggesting potential slowdowns in the EV market. Volvo’s CEO, Jim Rowan, expressed a different view, indicating confidence in the sector’s expansion during his appearance at the Reuters Global Markets Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Robust Growth Predicted Despite Market Challenges

Despite challenges faced by other automakers, Rowan maintains a positive outlook on the EV market’s potential for “tremendous growth.” He believes that increasing disposable incomes and Volvo’s strong pricing strategy will support consumer shifts towards electric vehicles, particularly in Europe. Last year, Volvo’s global EV sales surged by 70% to 113,419 vehicles, signaling robust market demand and validating Rowan’s optimistic projections.

Industry Comparisons and Future Outlook

While some automotive giants like Volkswagen and General Motors encountered setbacks in their EV strategies last year, others, including BMW and Hyundai Motor Group, reported strong performances and are optimistic about future growth. BMW celebrated record plug-in sales, and Hyundai expects to hit new sales records after a successful 2023. On the flip side, Volkswagen is implementing a significant cost-saving initiative, and GM is focused on overcoming production challenges related to its Ultium battery cells to better position itself in the evolving market.

Oct 18

Volvo Debuts Its First-Ever Minivan, the All-Electric EM90

Volvo’s Strategic Expansion into Minivans

In a surprising turn of events, Volvo is set to launch its inaugural minivan, the EM90, in 2024, marking its first foray into this vehicle category. The move, initially unexpected, aligns with Volvo’s strategy under the ownership of China’s Geely, which aims to leverage economies of scale across its various automotive brands. The EM90 is essentially a rebadged version of Zeekr’s recently introduced minivan, the 009, another Geely subsidiary, showcasing a shared platform that enhances both brands’ offerings in the electric vehicle market.

Design and Features of the Volvo EM90

Dubbed a “Scandinavian living room on the move,” the Volvo EM90 is impressively sized, mirroring the dimensions of luxury on wheels with its vast interior space optimized for comfort and style. It measures over 205 inches in length and features a sleek design with a drag coefficient of just 0.27, making it aerodynamically efficient despite its substantial size. Inside, the layout offers various configurations, including a luxurious 2+2+2 setup, providing ample room and a premium feel that distances it from traditional minivan designs.

Performance and Market Integration

The EM90 differentiates itself from its Zeekr counterpart with unique styling cues and a Volvo-branded aesthetic, including a distinctive fascia and minimal exterior tweaks like added chrome trim. It boasts a robust 268 horsepower from a single rear-mounted motor, with an optional dual-motor setup that skyrockets its output to 536 horsepower, allowing it to achieve 0 to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Additionally, it features a cutting-edge battery system from CATL, offering up to 511 miles of range on a single charge, addressing any concerns about electric vehicle range limitations effectively.

Volvo’s Market Strategy and Future Outlook

The production of the EM90, set to commence in China post-New Year, represents a significant step in Volvo’s electric vehicle strategy, potentially setting a new standard for luxury electric minivans. While initial releases are slated for the Chinese market, the global potential for such a vehicle is substantial, given the growing demand for versatile, high-performance electric vehicles. Volvo’s cautious approach to confirming markets outside of China, including the U.S., suggests a strategic wait-and-see approach to gauge initial reception and adapt its strategy accordingly. This move could redefine consumer expectations for what a minivan can offer, merging traditional family vehicle utility with the performance and luxury of modern EVs.

Aug 20

The Key to the 2024 Volvo EX90’s Affordability Revealed

The 2024 Volvo EX90 is set to make waves as Volvo’s new flagship electric vehicle, and the company is optimistic about its potential. Positioned as a top contender for EV of the year, the EX90 combines cutting-edge technology with a design focused on safety and performance. What makes this EV particularly compelling is not just its innovative features but also its price point, which Volvo is working to keep attractive for buyers.

Pricing and Federal Tax Credits

Volvo has yet to disclose the exact price for the EX90, but it is expected to start below $80,000 according to industry sources. The key to its affordability lies in optimizing for federal tax credits, which are crucial for making the EV more accessible. By aligning with the requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act, Volvo aims to qualify the EX90 for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, although details on the battery’s origin are still under wraps.

Performance and Safety Features

The Volvo EX90 boasts an impressive estimated range of up to 300 miles, powered by a robust 111 kWh battery delivering around 496 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system, complemented by advanced safety technology, is designed to set new standards in vehicle protection. Equipped with eight cameras, five radars, and lidar, the EX90’s safety features are engineered to significantly reduce the risk of accidents, aiming to cut injuries and fatalities by up to 20%.

Manufacturing and Market Impact

Far from replacing the XC90, the EX90 will stand as a new chapter for Volvo, built at their state-of-the-art assembly plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. This new plant is expected to produce about 60,000 units next year, with a significant portion allocated to early buyers. Volvo’s ambitious plans for the EX90 underscore their confidence in its success and the growing demand for high-quality electric vehicles.

Jul 21

Volvo Delays EX90 Electric SUV Production: What to Expect Next

A Stylish Yet Delayed Arrival

Volvo’s eagerly anticipated EX90 electric SUV is facing another delay, with production now pushed back by five to six months. This delay comes as Volvo aims to perfect its advanced software and lidar technology to ensure the SUV meets its high safety standards. Initially slated for release later this year, the EX90’s launch is now expected in mid-2024, giving the company extra time to refine its innovative features.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Improved Safety

The EX90 boasts impressive specs, including a 111 kWh battery offering up to 300 miles of range and twin electric motors delivering 496 horsepower. Its 14.5-inch infotainment screen, powered by Google, integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay, while its advanced lidar system—standard in the model—enhances safety by reducing the likelihood of severe accidents by up to 20%. As the first Volvo model to feature lidar, the EX90 underscores Volvo’s commitment to pioneering safety and technological advancement in the EV sector.

Jul 21

Volvo EX90 Production Pushed Back to Mid-2024 Due to LiDAR Integration Challenges

Delayed Debut for Volvo’s Flagship Electric SUV

Volvo Cars has announced a delay in the launch of its highly anticipated EX90 SUV, now expected to debut in mid-2024 rather than the initially planned late 2023. The delay, confirmed by CEO Jim Rowan during the company’s earnings call, is due to complications in integrating the sophisticated LiDAR system into the EX90’s new SPA2 platform. This setback, impacting Volvo’s most significant launch since the XC40 in 2017, is attributed to the complexity of the software code necessary for seamless LiDAR integration.

LiDAR technology is a major feature for the EX90, distinguishing it as Volvo’s first model to include this advanced safety system as standard. While the Polestar 3 offers LiDAR as an optional feature, the EX90 will include it in its standard package, supplied by startup Luminar Technologies. This system promises enhanced safety with its ability to detect pedestrians from up to 820 feet away, providing an “invisible shield of safety” that Volvo claims can significantly reduce serious accidents.

Impact of the Delay on Production and Market Launch

The delay means that production at Volvo’s new plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, will also be pushed into 2024. This plant, designed to accommodate the EX90’s production, was originally set to begin operations in late 2023. The extra time will ensure that Volvo’s engineers can perfect the integration of LiDAR with their existing technology, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering a meticulously engineered product.

While the delay might be disappointing for eager customers, it underscores Volvo’s dedication to launching a vehicle that meets high standards of safety and technology integration. The extended timeline reflects Volvo’s focus on refining the EX90 to provide a robust and reliable driving experience from the start.