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.
“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.
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Cadillac wants to live up to its “standard of the world” tag line so bad they can taste is – but adding $60K to the CELESTIQ’s MSRP might not be the flex the marketing team might think. To teach them a lesson, we’re going to ignore the CELESTIQ and list every new EV you can buy for less than that $60K price hike, instead. Enjoy!
If you’re curious about what those vehicles are actually selling for, what rebates and special rates are out there, or even just want to take one for a test drive, click on one of the links and you’ll be directed to a local dealer who can walk you through it all (trusted affiliate link).
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Zhengzhou Nissan has launched a new, plug-in pickup in the Chinese market called the Z9. It’s the same size as the Nissan Frontier Pro, offers over 35 miles of all-electric range, and pricing starts at just $16,600.
UPDATE 04NOV2025: more details and more markets for 2026.
The rebuilding of Nissan started to pick up earlier this year with the launch of the brand’s first plug-in pickup truck in China this past summer. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model offers 410 hp and an 84 mile electric-only range – more than enough for it to meet the everyday needs of most drivers with easy access to liquid fuel when needed.
It seems like a neat truck, but since it was designed and developed specifically for the Chinese market, its great specs and nearly impossible $24,800 starting price (on the entry-level Frontier Pro model) meant it would have limited impact – and limited interest – in other markets.
You can read the original post, first published back in June, below, then let us know what you think of Nissan’s plans to export its plug-in pickup to other markets in the comments.
What’s more, if you feel like spending a bit more, you can get a Zhengzhou Nissan Z9 equipped with a 32.85 kWh battery that’s good for almost 85 miles (135 km) of all-electric range. And even that extended-range model, at ¥168,900 (about $23,400) is still price-competitive with the Jeff Bezos-backed Slate EV.
In short, it’s bound to be a winner.
It’ll sell, but it won’t sell here
US-market Nissan Frontier.
With excitement surrounding the Kia Tasman, Slate, and other, similarly affordable light-duty pickups building on the success of the Ford Maverick hybrid, it should come as no surprise that Nissan has international ambitions for its newest electrified pickup.
“In alignment with our ‘In China, For China, Toward the World’ strategy for electrification and smart transformation, Nissan will fully support ZNA’s ‘off-road strategy,’” explained Stephen Ma, Chairman of Nissan (China) Management Committee and President of Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. “We are working to strengthen our research and manufacturing capabilities, further advancing our presence in the core markets of pickups and off-road vehicles, with the ultimate goal of achieving global expansion.”
It’s exciting stuff, but with all the recent troubles it’s been experiencing, it’s doubtful that Nissan will bring either of its new, Chinese-built mid-size pickups to the US (electrified or otherwise).
“The mission of the new generation of Chinese automotive professionals is clear – to ensure that made-in-China cars are driven across the world. ZNA will utilize its dual-brand and dual-channel advantages to expand its global footprint,” Mr. Mao Limin, Executive Vice President of ZNA, at the Z9’s launch. “We aim to be one of the top exporters of pickups within three years and to reach a sales milestone of 100,000 units.”
I’ve already written out my own comeback plans for Nissan, and this new Chinese-market pickup truck doesn’t really fit into them. Like many of you, I’m of the belief that a PHEV isn’t an EV – but I do see their value as “lilypad” cars, and the two Lightning owners I know? Their previous Ford F-150s were hybrids.
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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Finnish energy giant Wärtsilä has announced the latest addition to its massive network utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Australia: a record-breaking 1.5 GWh deployment that brings the company’s total energy storage capacity in the nation to 5.5 GWh.
The future of large-scale energy projects in Australia is looking increasingly DC-coupled thanks to Wärtsilä, which just announced plans to build the largest BESS of its kind in the National Electricity Market (NEM). The massive hybrid battery project that marks the company’s ninth site down under, and pushes its total capacity to a formidable 5.5 GWh.
The company says its latest, “record-breaking” energy storage plant is a blueprint for how to efficiently combine solar generation and storage to create a more resilient and decarbonized grid.
“This project is significantly larger than our earlier DC-coupled project, underscoring the need for this type of technology in expanding at scale,” said David Hebert, vice president of Global Sales Management at Wärtsilä. Hebert called the DC-coupled technology, “a breakthrough for hybrid renewable plants and a critical step towards establishing a financially viable renewable energy future.”
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Hebert believes projects like this one play a hugely important role in stabilizing Australia’s grid while, at the same time, advancing the country’s ambitious net-zero emissions targets from the energy sector by 2045.
With a 20-year service agreement already in place and the order set to be booked this quarter, this project is a working prototype for the next generation of global renewable assets. As nations worldwide grapple with the challenge of moving beyond fossil fuels, the success of this massive DC-coupled system will provide a real-world model for how to build a grid that is cleaner, smarter, and more resilient than ever before.
Electrek’s Take Explainer
If you’re not familiar with DC-coupling, it’s an efficiency game-changer. Unlike traditional AC-coupled electrical systems that require converting solar-generated direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for use by the grid, and then back to DC to use in a battery, a DC-coupled system connects the solar array and battery directly. This architecture cuts energy losses that occur during conversion, capturing more solar power and significantly improving project economics and overall system efficiency.
In other words: it saves money, and shores up the grid. Wins all ’round!
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