Volvo is making vans now

Do you own a business that needs to make an impression when delivering products? Volvo has just unveiled the new EX30 Cargo. It’s a small, electric SUV-based van with up to 300 miles of range – or there’s a version with whopping 428hp and all-wheel drive.

We’re fans of the regular EX30, with its comfortable suspension, light steering, futuristic styling and clever interior design making it a solid choice of small SUV. That being said, it’s not the most practical small car on sale, with tight rear seats and a small boot. How does that translate into a van, then?

Volvo EX30 Cargo: key facts and figures

Cargo capacity: 1000 litres
Maximum payload: 390kg
Range: 205 – 300 miles
Battery size: 51kWh, 69kWh
Charge time AC: 9h 30mins, 0-100%, 7.4kW / 11h 30mins, 0-100%, 7.4kW
Charge time DC: 26mins, 10-80%, 134kW / 28mins, 10-80%, 153kW
Power outputs: 150hp, 272hp, 428hp
Price: from £36,010

Volvo EX30 Cargo: What makes it a van?

Well, from the outside, not much. The only visual difference comes at the back of the car, with the tailgate glass and the windows in the back doors now very heavily tinted – so really, the EX30 Cargo looks like an EX30 with a VIP in the back. A very important package, of course…

Peer through the front windows – or open the new back doors which swing extra wide – and you’ll notice a bulkhead behind the front seats, separating the cargo bay from the two-seater cabin. The rear seats are gone, in favour of a flat, hardened floor with an access panel for the under-floor storage space. What about the nitty gritty?

Volvo EX30 Cargo: The technical stuff

There are a few changes under the skin to help the EX30 Cargo deal with van life, starting with the aforementioned rear doors. We didn’t have complaints with the normal car, but the doors now open very wide, making it even easier to load packages in from the side.

A new subframe under the load area floor means there are structural mounting points for strapping down cargo, while there’s also a new work light to help you see in the all-black compartment.

Volvo EX30 Cargo: Batteries and range

As with the passenger EX30, you have a range of trim levels and battery options for the EX30 Cargo. There’s a new P3 model with 150hp and up to 300 miles of range, while the P5 has 272hp and can travel up to 295 miles.

If you need to deliver in a real hurry, you can opt for the EX30 Cross Country Cargo. With an outrageous 428hp, all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, it’s the fastest van on sale today. It has 271 miles of range.

Volvo EX30 Cargo: Who is it for?

There’s no denying that – Land Rover Defender Commercial aside – the EX30 Cargo is the poshest van around. The benefit of the Volvo to the big Defender is its comparatively low price and driving manners around town, as you can easily thread it through tight city roads.

That makes it a good choice for small businesses which need a premium delivery vehicle. Are you a luxury florist or a high-end patisserie? Do you have an interior design business that needs to move samples around, or a concierge service for a fancy department store? The EX30 Cargo might just be the perfect van for you.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.