In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss our choice for Electrek car of the year, NIO Day, what’s coming for EVs in 2025, and more.

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2024’s Electrek EV of the year will again be controversial: The Volvo EX30. The svelt car from the Swedish brand that is owned by a Chinese company tops our list because it embodies the future of EVs. The EX30 was originally going to be made in only in China, but is now being built in Europe as well and it could even be built in the US where deliveries are just now starting.

The non controversial part is that this is an amazing EV. From the Swedish minimalist interior and exterior styling, to the AWD version’s 3.4 0-60 time (the quickest accelerating Volvo) to its $35,000 starting price, the EX30 screams innovation. But, as they say, that’s not all…

In the past Electrek’s vehicle of the year were:

Why does the EX30 fit the bill this year? It is a combination of a lot of factors.

The EX30 is indicative of the future of EVs. Just like last year’s winner, the Tesla Model Y, it is a world car. The same car will be on sale in China, Europe and now the US. It will be built in China and in Europe. Depending on the math of a Trump administration’s tax incentives – or lack thereof, it might even be built in the US. Volvo hasn’t yet said if it will come to the South Carolina plant where the bigger EX90 is built. If the Biden Administration didn’t raise the tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles to 100%, the US would likely already have Chinese versions of the vehicle on its roads. If the Trump administration drops its the 100% China tariff, the US might again see Chinese-made EX30s.

Finally, a small EV!

One of the most refreshing aspects of the EX30 is its size. The Chevy Bolt was recently discontinued by GM, leaving a huge hole in the compact EV space. Sure, there are two-door Fiat 500E and EV Mini Coopers floating around, but those are more niche cars.

The small size isn’t just for looks, easier parking and more garage space. That also means a smaller battery and less energy can get the car around. With up to 153 kW charging capability, Volvo’s EX30 can go from 10% to 80% in just over 25 minutes at most DC fast chargers. And 150kW will do fine here, no need to seek out the faster 350kW varieties. That also means charging it will save time, energy, and money, especially on the road.

In EV-heavy European markets like Norway, the EV30 outsells everything on the market outside of Tesla’s declining Model Y. Volvo says the rocket-like AWD version is in high demand in the US.

“The EX30 has been one of the most popular EVs in Europe and will be coming to the U.S. this year with a very attractive and competitive starting price for the 422 horsepower Twin Motor Performance model with 253 miles of range. A Single Motor variant is scheduled to come to the U.S. later in 2025 with an even more affordable starting price”

Hopefully, other car makers are taking note. Make a compelling small car and Americans, yes Americans, will lap them up.

Safety

It wouldn’t be a Volvo if it weren’t a safe car and it has the 5-star NCAP results to prove it. (NSFW:)

How compelling?

Read my full review from a year ago to get the excitement about this car. Check out the Reddit forums to hear how drivers are enjoying the vehicle. When I drove the car, I was flabbergasted with how well the RWD version handled, let alone the AWD model.

Let’s get those eye-watering specs out:

• Horsepower: 268 RWD/422 AWD
• Torque: 253ftlbs RWD/ 400ftlbs AWD
• Top speed: 112 mph
• Battery: 69kWh
• Range: 265/275 miles
• Towing: 2,000 lb./2,500 lb.
• Dimensions: Height: 61.2 in., Width: 72.3 in., Length: 166.7 in.
• Base price: $34,950FWD/$44,900 AWD

If you are an American wondering about the size of the EX30, it fits exactly between the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, which is to say a small car, by today’s standards. Also the 7-inch ground clearance makes the micro-SUV moniker a little bit more believable than on the Bolt.

Those monster-for-a-compact-SUV horsepower and torque settings aren’t just for speed. You can also tow some small-to medium-sized loads (up to 2500lbs) with the EX30. That makes this a great camping option.

The EX30 Vehicle to X (grid/home/load/etc) of 11kW has been demoed but isn’t touted by Volvo.

Electrek’s take:

I should note here that the Kia EV9 was a close second for this award but the smaller car is what we need for 2025.

I think that’s a big takeaway from me here. We need more smaller car options. Car size has gotten way out of hand in the US and that escalation problem is spreading globally. Large cars are inefficient and dangerous.

Another theme that the EX30 follows is global politics, specifically the ongoing trade issues between China and the West. Donald Trump and his sidekick Elon Musk will likely change US EV policy yet again and it will be interesting to see how that changes incentives for US cars, including the EX30.

For now though, as US drivers are getting their hands on the speedy little EX30, we have a favorite car going into 2025.