2026 Volvo EX30 launches in China with lower entry price after battery recall

Geely‘s brand Volvo has officially launched its updated EX30 electric SUV in the Chinese market today, introducing a revised model lineup and a new entry-level variant. The refreshed EX30 is available in three configurations, with limited-time reference prices ranging from 159,800 yuan (23,200 USD) to 209,800 yuan (30,400 USD).

This February, Volvo announced a global recall of more than 40,000 of its electric EX30 SUVs due to potential battery overheating issues that could lead to fires. The China-made EX30 was launched in May last year, starting from 27,800 USD.

The three available models and their limited-time reference prices are:

• RWD Plus: 159,800 yuan (23,200 USD)
• RWD Long Range Ultra: 189,800 yuan (27,500 USD)
• AWD Performance Ultra: 209,800 yuan (30,400 USD)

An update for the 2026 EX30 is the introduction of the RWD Plus model, which replaces the previously discontinued RWD Core variant. The new RWD Plus brings a host of upgrades compared to its predecessor, including the Pilot Assist driver assistance system with lane-keeping assist, an increased number of radar sensors for improved safety, an electric tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, power-adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory function, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Despite these enhancements, the RWD Plus maintains the same CLTC pure electric range of 410 km as the former RWD Core.

Concurrently, Volvo has discontinued the old RWDr Core and RWD Long Range Plus models. The configurations for the RWDrive Long Range Ultra and AWD Performance Ultra remain unchanged.

The updated EX30 offers a range of powertrain options:

• Single Motor Rear-Wheel Drive: This configuration delivers a maximum power output of 200 kW (268 hp).
  • The RWD Plus variant, with a 410 km CLTC range, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and can charge from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes.
  • The RWD Long Range Ultra variant, offering a 590 km CLTC range, achieves 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and charges from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes.
• AWD Performance Ultra: This model boasts a combined power output of 315 kW (422 hp). It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and offers a CLTC pure electric range of 540 km. Charging from 10% to 80% takes 28 minutes.

Editor’s comment

Interestingly, in December of last year, a Geely subsidiary initiated a lawsuit against battery supplier Sunwoda, seeking up to 2.31 billion yuan (323 million USD) due to fire risks associated with Sunwoda’s supplied batteries. Subsequently, Sunwoda settled the case with Geely for 608 million yuan (89 million USD).

My research on Autohome indicates that the 2026 Volvo EX30 RWD Plus utilises LFP batteries from Rept Battero, whereas its RWD Long Range Ultra and AWD Performance Ultra variants are equipped with ternary lithium batteries supplied by Sunwoda. This suggests that the fire risks associated with Sunwoda’s batteries have since been addressed.