Volvo EX30 review

The range is simple. Start with three trims: Core at £31,560 (with a £1.5k discount at the time of writing), Plus at £33,660 and Ultra at £41,860. The latter gets electric seats, 20in wheels, a glass roof, self-parking, surround cameras and acceptance of 22kW three-phase AC charging.

You also choose between three powertrains: small-battery RWD is the entry price above for the first two trims. Big-battery RWD (with heat pump and battery heating for more consistent winter range) adds £4,200 on Core and £4,700 with Plus, but it’s standard with the Ultra trim.

The absurdly fast Twin Motor Performance version is £40,860 in Plus trim and £44,360 in full-fat Ultra trim. You can also only have this powertrain in Cross Country form, so that one is a pricey £45,460 before options.

As if to show EVs are cheaper to maintain, the EX30 comes as standard with three years or 62,000 miles of servicing, as well as wear and tear including brakes (not tyres), and roadside rescue.

All paint and trim colours are the same price, so none of the traditional car-industry gouging there. The black roof is included too.

And on finance?

For the entry level battery and motor combo, plus bargain basement Core trim you’re looking at £7,500 down and £263 per month on a four-year PCP deal with a 6,000-mile limit.

The one you want is probably the Single Motor Extended Range. On the same PCP deal as above you’re looking at £294 per month with that large deposit.

Hit me with some charging info.

Replenishing from 10-80 per cent on a rapid charger takes 26-28 minutes in ideal conditions for both sizes of battery. So, the smaller one is drawing less peak power (up to 134kW), because of course it gets you less far on 80 per cent than the big one. The larger battery can charge at up to 153kW.

For AC, the 64kWh Ultra spec car has a 22kW three-phase onboard charger, for a sub-four hour charge. But you'll most likely have a 7.4kW single phase outlet at home, and indeed on most street-side posts. They give an 11-hour flat-to-full.

Warranty is three years/60k miles, except for the battery which is eight years/100k miles.