The new Volvo EX30 was unveiled last year as the brand’s latest entry-level, all-electric crossover, poised to rival the Cadillac Optiq. Although the EX30 initially received glowing reviews, its launch is off to a somewhat rocky start, with customers reporting a wide range of software glitches and problems. At this rate, it’s possible that the Cadillac Optiq will arrive in U.S. dealers prior to the U.S.-launch of the Volvo EX30.
According to a report from Autocar, the Volvo EX30 software issues are so bad, some customers have received a full refund. Problems reported include inoperative vehicle screens, unresponsive steering-wheel buttons, charging failures, and random activation of the emergency braking system. The EX30 heavily relies on digital control systems, with very few physical controls in the cabin, making these software issues particularly impactful. The interior of the EX30 is dominated by a large, tablet-style infotainment readout.
Volvo is reportedly developing fixes for the issues, with a spokesperson stating that the automaker is working to address the problems as quickly as possible. In the meantime, Volvo has removed the EX30 from its UK online configurator ahead of the launch of the 2025 model-year vehicle next week. However, the EX30 remains on sale, with available stock still at dealers.
Vehicle specs for the U.S. variant include two powertrain configurations, with a single-motor variant with 268 horsepower and an NMC extended-range battery good for 275 miles, as well as a dual-motor variant producing 422 horsepower, good for a run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 is produced in China, and as such, is expected to be targeted by hefty tariffs. Back in May, the Biden administration announced that it was increasing tariffs on Chinese-made EVs to a whopping 100 percent, up from the 25-percent tariff in place previously. When it was initially unveiled, Volvo targeted the EX30 with a starting price of $36,145.
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Comments
For some, they know that I have been in the auto business for 28 years now and most of those with GM brands (GMC, Buick, Cadillac and Chevy). For the past 8 years I’ve been at a Volvo and Mazda store. It’s difficult for me because I need to work with brands that I like and believe in. I do like Volvo, but the past 8 years has proven just how unreliable they truly are. Every year I see more Volvo buy-backs (trouble vehciles) than what I saw in my entire 19 years with GM products. As for Mazda, I just laugh when I see people bragging about how good they are. I see the problems they have daily. I won’t spend my money on one. I started at this dealership because it was so close to where I lived and the kids pre-school. I now stay only because I have one of the greatest bosses you could want and I’m no longer in sales but instead work in the fleet department.
Anyhow, back to Volvo. For those who feel GM botched the EV rollout (which they did to a point), it’s nothing like what Volvo has done here and with the EX90. That one (90) is now 2 full years behind and still not hitting US soil. The EX30 was supposed to be out in the US months ago and has been pushed back due to issues. However, we know that as a dealer. But the spin from Volvo is that it’s all about the tarrifs. It’s not.
Thank you Dan. It’s always good to hear some perspective on the whole picture.
Made in china
LADA EX30
Cadillac Optiq is most definitely NOT a competitor to the tiny EX30 (In size nor price)
Come on guys Lol
I definitely think that Cadillac should make a vehicle sized and priced like the EX30 though and do so ASAP
That’s what the new Bolt is for. And before you think this is a “luxury car” like other Volvos I encourage you to sit in one. Remember Volvo sells economy models outside the US (or at least they did before).
@85ZingoGTR
Never said it was a luxury vehicle or not. Just stated that it is most definitely NOT a competitor to the upcoming Optiq in terms of size and price.
Cadillac should make a vehicle that size and price though. Would probably sell like hotcakes around the world.
Optiq and EX30 don’t really seem like competitors. The EX30 is a lot smaller.
@rEVolutionary
Exactly.
And a lot (a lot) cheaper
I like the comments here… cim88cev86… for my comment, I will talk about software. Been writing code for 50 years, no joke. And several family members do also. We wrote expert systems before it was a thing, and critical systems where peoples lives were at stake. Then came Corporate Managment Mentality to the creative and proven process of writing good , reliable, redundant software, the kind you depend on when using satellites, rockets, aircraft, medical equipment. Corporate and standard manufacturing methods and approach to software is not a guarantee of getting anything useable. Part of the problem is not being able to determine if the person you hired is any good, if you cannot read the code yourself.
That Volvo is having software problems is not a surprise, that GM has such poorly written processes for OTA is not a surprise. Maybe somebody should focus on better programming, if in fact we expect to have well running automation.
Cars as computers on wheels has gotten out of hand, IMO. I’m into tech, but I think we need some spaces where we can escape from it. Give me a peaceful cabin that can let me disconnect from the chaos and relax and just focus on driving.
Would love to see someone do a retro styled interior with basic gages and manual controls. If you want nav, just a basic place for a phone mount and a connection to play music from the device.
Volvo, years of great safety ratings but never good ratings for initial quality, reliability or dependability. Seems in EVs, nothing has changed. From industry ratings it seems all manufacturers are having problems with coding vehicle software.
I don’t care what anybody says. Made in China + Cheap = You get what you paid for. PERIOD!
Also going to be built in Belgium. Lots of high end products these days are built in China.
Yes, there are a lot of cheap poor quality knock-off junk made in China, but with proper design and specs and quality control oversight from the design company OEM, stuff made in China can be quite good. Just look at Apple products.