The hype surrounding the Volvo EX30 has been immense. As Volvo's smallest, most affordable, and fastest-accelerating car ever, it promises to be a game-changer. But while official WLTP or EPA range figures are useful, they don't always reflect the reality of day-to-day driving. For a vehicle so clearly aimed at city dwellers, the most important question is: how does it perform in the concrete jungle?
We decided to find out. We took a VolvoEX30 Single Motor Extended Range model, with its 69 kWh battery, and subjected it to a rigorous real-world city traffic test to see if it’s the urban champion it claims to be.
The Setup: A True City Grind
Our test wasn't a gentle Sunday drive. We aimed to simulate a typical, demanding week of urban commuting packed into one long day. Our route included:
To ensure a realistic test, we kept the car's settings as a normal driver would. The climate control was set to a comfortable 21°C (70°F), the audio system was on, and we drove in the standard "Comfort" mode. Crucially, we enabled the car's
OnePedalDrive feature—a must-have for maximizing efficiency in the city through regenerative braking. We started with a 100% charge and a mission to drive until the battery hit 10%.
The Driving Experience: Nimble, Zippy, and Serene
In the city, the EX30’s compact dimensions are its superpower. It darted through gaps in traffic with an agility that larger SUVs can only dream of. Parking, often a nightmare in a busy downtown core, was laughably easy. The instant torque from the electric motor made it incredibly zippy off the line at traffic lights, providing the confidence to merge and change lanes decisively.
The One-Pedal Driving system proved to be a revelation. It dramatically reduces the need to move your foot between the accelerator and brake, turning congested traffic from a stressful chore into a surprisingly smooth and manageable experience. As we slowed for yet another red light, we could literally watch the range meter hold steady, or even tick up a kilometre, thanks to the energy being recaptured. It’s a core part of the modern EV experience that makes perfect sense in this environment.
The Numbers: Putting Range Anxiety to Rest
This is the moment of truth. The official WLTP range for our Single Motor Extended Range model is up to 476 km (295 miles). So, how did we do?
After a full day of navigating the urban sprawl, we had covered an impressive 385 kilometres (approximately 239 miles) by the time the battery display showed 10% remaining.
Let’s break that down:
This is a phenomenal result. While it's about 10% less than the official WLTP figure, that number is based on a mix of driving conditions. To achieve such a high range exclusively in power-sapping city traffic is a testament to the EX30’s brilliant efficiency and regenerative braking system. This is a genuine EVRangeTest that proves you could easily manage a full week of commuting without ever needing to plug in.
Conclusion: The New King of the City?
The Volvo EX30 doesn't just survive in the city; it thrives. Our test confirmed that its real-world urban range is more than enough to eliminate range anxiety for the vast majority of commuters. You can run errands, drop the kids at school, and sit in traffic all week with confidence.
When you combine this excellent range with its fun-to-drive nature, easy-to-park size, and stylish minimalist interior, the EX30 makes a compelling case for being the ultimate urban electric vehicle on the market today. It’s efficient, practical, and packed with character. For anyone living and driving in a city, the FutureIsElectric, and the Volvo EX30 is leading the charge.
