Volvo’s newest, smallest vehicle is getting ready for the trail. Today, the company revealed an all-new variant of its EX30 subcompact electric SUV.
Volvo fans know the lexicon — a rugged Volvo is a Cross-Country model. Volvo says the EX30 Cross Country “takes the successful recipe of the EX30 and adds rugged ingredients, making it perfect for the growing number of people who want to explore beyond their crowded cities — come rain, come shine, or when everything is covered in snow and ice.”
Higher Ride Height, Real Skid Plates
The Cross Country variant rides higher than the standard EX30, though Volvo hasn’t revealed an actual measurement. It rides on “special, bigger wheels, with the option of an 18-inch all-terrain accessory tire.”
The difference between a special edition that looks trail-ready and one that’s actually capable on the trail often comes down to underbody protection. Volvo has given the EX30 Cross Country real skid plates. They come darkened to ensure you see them, matching scratch-resistant fender guards.
Volvo promises “an array of bespoke offers,” such as a “package of accessories for your car, which includes a load carrier, a roof basket, 18-inch all-terrain tires and mudflaps.” Those are present in photos provided to the press but might not be available in all markets.
Every EX30 Cross Country is all-wheel drive (AWD), thanks to a pair of electric motors. The all-wheel-drive version of the ordinary EX30 is the quickest car Volvo has ever produced, with a blistering 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. The added off-road gear might slow down the Cross Country variant slightly. Volvo hasn’t specified range or performance figures.
The company does promise the car “can be charged from 10-80% in as little as 26 minutes.”
The standard EX30 starts at $36,245 including delivery fees. Volvo Retail Advisory Board Chairman Kevin Flanagan told industry publication Automotive News the Cross Country version will launch with a “low $40,000” price tag.
Infrastructure Will Need to Catch Up to This
Electric off-roaders are a relatively new concept. Our editors have found off-roading in the near-silence of an electric vehicle (EV) a fascinating experience (you can hear the stream you’re fording, and the deer don’t run). This could be the most affordable option for those who want the experience.
But charging infrastructure far from cities remains a challenge in most parts of the U.S. Jeep executives have publicly mused about a project to build EV chargers at trailheads but have not yet committed to a large project. Rivian has opened a handful of charging centers near popular off-roading sites and plans a network of them.