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For the first time, Volvo brings us a van - in the shape of this EX30 Cargo. Changes over the ordinary electric passenger hatch model are slight but just enough to justify the LCV tag.
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Background
We've not seen too many stranger things than a Volvo van but that's what's on offer here in the shape of the EX30 Cargo.
It is of course merely a version of the EX30 electric hatch with the rear seats removed. And it's been created very much as an exploratory exercise by Volvo to see what the appetite might be for a small electric LCV bearing the Gothenburg maker's famous badge.
Lots of more mainstream marques have recently tried this trick with their strongest selling EVs, including Dacia, BYD, Skoda and Ford. But this is the first time a more premium maker has seen fit to bring us an LCV. Let's take a look.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 36010 | 45310 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 112 | 112 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 5.7 | 3.6 |
| Electric WLTP-Rated Driving Range (miles) | 209 | 209 |
| Length (mm) | 4233 | 4233 |
| Min | Max |
| Width (mm) | 1836 | 1836 |
| Height (mm) | 155 | 155 |
| Van Load Capacity (l) | 1000 | 1000 |
| Payload Capacity (l) | 390 | 390 |
| Power (ps) | 150 | 428 |
Driving experience
Predictably, the Cargo uses the same powertrains as the passenger model. So there's an entry-level single motor P3 powertrain that develops 150hp. Or a 272hp single motor P5 powertrain, which takes just 5.3s to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint. Rarer will be the powerful Twin Motor P8 AWD version with 428hp, enough to storm a P8 EX30 Cargo to 62mph in just 3.6s.
You'll want to know about driving range. There's a base 51kWh battery available with the P5, but most will want the larger Extended Range 69kWh Long Range battery, offering up to 295 miles between charges and available with all three powertrains. Volvo also offers the EX30 Cargo in rugged-ised 'Cross Country' form with a higher ride height.
Whatever kind of EX30 Cargo you choose, under the skin lies the most compact version of the Geely Group's 'SEA' 'Scalable Experience Architecture' platform, engineered here to produce a well-judged standard of ride. Body roll's well resisted too, which might have made for an engaging confection were it not for the rather lifeless steering. There aren't any provided drive modes, nor are there the steering wheel paddleshifters to control brake regeneration that some other competitors offer. Just a 'One Pedal Drive' setting activated via the centre screen - and even that doesn't slow you particularly fiercely.
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Design and build
It's really difficult to tell this LCV Cargo model apart from the conventional passenger version. The tinted rear windows mean that you'll have to be really close to spot the fact that the rear bench has been removed and a metal grate inserted between the front seats backs and the load area.
Obviously, the front of cabin design hasn't changed. Though you may detect shades of Tesla in the absence of an instrument binnacle and the way that everything - including all the drive gauges - been located on a centrally-positioned 12.3-inch vertically-mounted Google-based touchscreen. It's flanked by vertical silver vents. This infotainment monitor doesn't actually offer as much usable space as it first appears because a significant part of its upper section is needed for driving functions; while above the bottom frame are two rows of icons, the lower one for permanently-showed functions (mainly climate-related), with the one above it for favourite features. The middle part of the monitor is divided into the usual widget sections, with priority given to Google mapping.
Unusual is the lack of door-mounted speakers - a sound bar runs across the full width of the dashboard instead. Cupholders slide out of a bulky-looking central armrest; the glovebox and the electric window switches are centrally placed; and the central tunnel incorporates a removable storage box.
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Market and model
Prices from launch started at £36,010 including VAT and this LCV model is available exclusively through Volvo Car UK's fleet sales channels. There are two trim levels - 'Core' and plusher 'Plus'. As standard, the EX30 Cargo Core includes the brand's 'Safe Space Technology' and Google Automotive Services, alongside Automatic LED headlights, 18-inch Aero alloy wheels and Adaptive Cruise Control. Front and rear Park Assist, complemented by a rear Park Assist camera, make parking and manoeuvring easier, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure connectivity on the move.
The EX30 Cargo Plus adds a Harman Kardon premium sound system, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, along with two-zone climate control and wireless phone charging. Exterior styling is enhanced with a dual-tone roof and 19-inch Aero alloy wheels. And you get the brand's 'Pilot Assist' semi-autonomous driving systems and a Digital Key Plus set-up for smartphone entry.
On the EV side, Volvo includes an 11kW on-board charger (so you can power up from a three-phase supply), a 32 amp Type 2 cable and a Mode 3 charge cable and a heat pump to maintain driving range in cold weather (by drawing heat from the ambient air to drive the climate system). In addition, you of course get an app, the 'Volvo Cars Services' app, via which you can control charging times, activate the climate system, request emergency help, remotely unlock or lock the vehicle and even keep a driving journal.
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Practicalities and costs
To create the cargo bay, the rear seats have been replaced with a flat floor and an access panel to the lower floor, maximising the payload to 390kg and a load capacity of 1,000 litres. A specially designed payload bulkhead separates the cabin from the cargo area, while modified rear side panels and doors increase available load volume.
Further enhancing practicality, the EX30 Cargo also benefits from extended rear door access, allowing the doors to open wider for easier loading. An additional cargo work light improves visibility within the load area, while the underfloor subframe introduces extra securing and mounting points to support a range of commercial uses. There's a 12V cargo area socket.
The entry-level 51kWh lithium-ion-phosphate battery can be charged to a peak of 134kW. But if you stretch to the larger 69kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, then charge can be accepted up to a rate of 153kW. Bear in mind that most EX30s will only have a relatively modest 11kW on-board charger; the 22kW on-board charger is restricted to priciest Ultra' trim.
With the base 51kWh battery, from a typical 7.4 KW garage wall box, a 0-100% charge will take 10 hours 15 minutes. If you have an 11kW AC garage wall box, you can reduce that charging time to 7 hours. At a public DC fast charger, you can charge the 51kWh version (10 to 80%) in just 28 minutes.
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Summary
It's difficult to imagine who a potential customer for this EX30 Cargo might be. Obviously, it's aimed at individual owner drivers with small businesses, but even they aren't likely to much value a premium badge on the LCV. Or at least they won't be that keen on paying any extra for it anyway.
Fortunately, the EX30 in its passenger-carrying form has always been relatively affordable, so the van version is too. Perhaps the kind of florist-style city and suburban customers who in small but loyal numbers liked the modern era MINI Clubvan (2015 to 2015) will be attracted by it. Assuming they know it exists; The EX30 Cargo isn't, after all, what you would expect from Volvo. Perhaps that will ultimately be what'll sell it.
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