Volvo’s highly anticipated EX30 all-electric SUV faces delivery delays in Europe due to unresolved software issues, marking the second setback for Volvo EV launches attributed to software glitches.
According to reports from Automotive News Europe, Volvo has postponed EX30 deliveries in Europe as the software version 1.2, crucial for vehicle functionality, remains incomplete. While the EV is yet to debut in the US, Volvo reassures customers of a summer launch, pending resolution of the software challenges.
Correspondence from Volvo to dealers revealed that software version 1.2 did not meet the necessary requirements for release, prompting the delay. Despite significant progress, critical issues persist, necessitating further refinement before deliveries can proceed.
An anonymous source cited by Automotive News Europe indicated that the software update cannot be conducted remotely and must be performed at dealerships. While updates are expected to commence promptly, the exact nature of the software glitches remains undisclosed.
This delay impacts European customers eagerly awaiting their EX30 deliveries, highlighting Volvo’s struggle with software integration in its EV lineup. Last July, Volvo encountered similar challenges with the flagship EX90 electric SUV, delaying production due to software issues linked to its LiDAR system.
Despite setbacks, the EX30 holds promise as an affordable entry-level electric SUV, with a starting price of €36,590 in Europe and an anticipated base price of $34,950 in the US. Boasting a 69 kWh battery and a powerful rear-mounted electric motor, the EX30 offers an EPA-estimated range of 275 miles, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious drivers.
Production of the EX30 will initially take place in China, with plans for expansion to a production line in Ghent, Belgium, by 2025. US production is expected to follow suit, with the larger EX90 electric SUV slated for manufacturing at the Volvo plant in South Carolina. As Volvo navigates software challenges, the EX30’s success hinges on resolving these issues to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles worldwide.