Volvo EX30 AWD Performance Test Provides Insight for Long Distance Driving

Volvo EX30 AWD Performance Long Distance Driving Test Shows What To Expect

The upcoming Volvo EX30 is primarily designed for local driving, but can it handle longer trips? Well, veteran EV tester Bjørn Nyland recently put the top-of-the-line Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance to the test with a 622-mile (1,000 km) challenge to evaluate its long-distance travel capabilities.

The challenge was a unique test optimized for time rather than convenience, aimed at expanding our knowledge about EVs and showcasing what is physically possible for an experienced driver in a location with dense DC fast charging infrastructure. The results focused on range, efficiency, and fast charging.

During the test, the Volvo EX30 faced less than ideal conditions with an average temperature of 41°F (5°C) and mostly wet road conditions (70% of the journey). This led to an energy consumption of 473 Wh/mile (294 Wh/km) or 2.1 miles/kWh.

Despite the challenging conditions, the car completed the 622-mile journey in 11 hours, which is comparable to the Nissan Ariya (front-wheel drive with a 91-kWh battery) tested in more favorable conditions. The Volvo EX30 needed to be charged eight times along the way, with an average distance of just 61 miles between stops after the initial 135 miles.

With a 69-kilowatt-hour battery (64 kWh usable) and a peak charging rate exceeding 150 kilowatts, the Volvo EX30 performed reasonably well in the test. It is worth noting that under more favorable weather conditions, the car might achieve a time of 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Overall, the Volvo EX30 proved to be a capable long-distance traveler, although it falls behind top models that can cover a similar distance in 9-10 hours.