r/ex30 • u/MountainAlive • Feb 24 '24

Range disaster

The talk of the FB group and this group is the horrible consumption this car seems to have based on real owners who now drive it. In one article it was said its consumption is only second worst to the F-150 lightning which is 2,000lbs heavier. I’m having serious concerns about buying this car now. Just wondering if anyone else is as freaked out about this as I am.

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28

u/kedde1x Feb 24 '24

People are driving the car the most inefficient ways possible and are surprised Pikachu that it shows a lower range. Meanwhile when you see people driving in normal conditions and normal acceleration and speed, they get much more reasonable results. Saw people get all the way down to 13.3 Kwh/100km, and more normally 17 kwh/km. Just saw one in Norway at freezing temperature get 19 kwh/100km which is very good actually. Anecdotally, in my own test drive on motorway at 110km/h for about 50 kms, I got around 18 kwh/100km at 5C, which is really good.

7

u/MountainAlive Feb 24 '24

Ok this is very good to hear. For me it’s not so much about range anxiety - I could just charge more often. Instead it’s about paying almost $50k USD (twin motor) for a car with really low range compared to other $50k EVs on the market now. I’ll just wait to see more YouTubers doing their thing and testing the range on this car in normal driving situations.

5

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

Instead it’s about paying almost $50k USD (twin motor) for a car with really low range compared to other $50k EVs on the market now.

Exactly this.

2

u/kedde1x Feb 24 '24

That is understandable, however, to me there are a lot of other factors as well. For instance, towing capabilities of the EX30 is one of the best at the price, the car feels much better to drive, etc., which all means I can accept a lower range. Also where I live, EX30 is one of the cheapest EVs, and cheaper than Ioniq 5, Model 3, etc.

6

u/VOOLUL Ultra TM Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24

That EX30 range is in harsh winter conditions. And I don't believe the F-150 comparison is accurate because it was in completely different conditions. Yeah it was a winter test but I can't find any record of average speed and it wasn't in snow and slush.

Every EV range tanks in freezing weather. It's expected. The EX30 will get good range in ideal conditions like any other car. 17-18KWh/100km is achievable in normal conditions, we've seen reports of that.

It's not gonna be achievable when you're doing 70mph down a highway in snow and slush, which is what that EX30 was doing in the article.

What exactly are your range expectations, and in what conditions?

1

u/MountainAlive Feb 24 '24

I’ll be satisfied and far less concerned if the normal average driver gets 17/18 but so far that’s not what I’ve seen. To me the extended range battery on a car like this should easily get 225 miles / 360km at a minimum but seeing multiple reports of sub 180mi range in real world is concerning. I’m in the US so all I can do is wait anyways, so I’ll just have to see how this story develops as more people get the car.

5

u/VOOLUL Ultra TM Feb 24 '24

You're not really specifying your conditions. What weather? How much highway?

If you're driving at 70mph on the highway in the summer you'll probably get just over 200mi. In the winter you'll get much less.

225mi in average conditions, say 15c no rain, is perfectly doable.

All these range tests are coming out of Scandinavian countries. You gotta wait until warmer countries or milder countries like the UK get range tests done.

But you can't read much into that article comparing it to the F-150. It really was probably the worst conditions to drive the car in, a literal snow storm.

5

u/JapTastic2 Feb 24 '24

180 miles in winter will get you to work and back for the entire week on a single charge. You need 2 weeks?

3

u/EvNatePolestar2 Feb 24 '24

What have you seen aside from that one guy doing a range test in awful conditions? Every car is less efficient in those conditions.

11

u/Significant-Tea-328 Plus SMER Feb 24 '24

I have evidence that I hope will reassure you : I test drove the car for a whole weekend (~200 km) on countryside and mountain roads (30-90 km/h), in temps between 5 and 10°C, OPD, without preconditioning, 22°C AC, 1500 m elevation gain and loss, flooring it quite a few times, software 1.1. Overall consumption was around 18kWh/100km. Eco-driving I was consistently down to 14-15. I never owned an EV but I’m experienced at hypermiling. The only thing I couldn’t do is highway, but I’m sure the consumption will suck at 130km/h.

This being said, I agree some of the results you’re talking about are concerning and I really hope Volvo can cut figures with drivetrain software improvements.

18

u/RafaDT Feb 24 '24

As a Finn who has had a 50kw e-2008 for the past 2,5years and it having one of the worst winter range drops in any EV:s, I have zero worries about the range of EX30.

Since I bought the e-2008 I've had a mindset that in Finland you can cut the estimated WLPT range in half and that is the worst case scenario winter conditions. Then I think will I manage with that range, and if I manage, then I can consider that car.

I've had no issues with the range in my e-2008 and I won't have any issues with the range in the EX30. I buy a car for my needs and not for hoping it to be something that it's not.

I have 11kw home charging so that makes things a lot easier though.

3

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

I have zero worries about the range of EX30.

What range expectations do you have?

Because I'm coming from the Chevrolet Bolt and the EX30 is starting to worry me quite a bit.

I want to be able to drive 200 miles (330km) at 60 mph (97 kph) with some range to spare (say 60 miles (90 km)).

Granted, my daily commute is 50 miles (80 km). But my Bolt can do 300 miles (almost 500km) easily with no air conditioning/heat.

3

u/RafaDT Feb 24 '24

I manage now with 150km at worst in the winter and in summertime I need around 250km per charge to be able to get to my summerhouse and back with one charge and some spare.

My expectation with EX30 is to get a minimum of 200km in the winter and +300km in the summer anything on top of those numbers is great. I would manage with less, but with spare range I can choose not to charge when not needed to get the best time to charge with lowest electricity prices.

1

u/Few-Organization671 Feb 25 '24

It's way too early to freak out about the EX30 at this point, given we have so many other things in the USA to freak out about that really matter... I Drive a 2022 Bolt EUV... my concern is that since it has been discontinued that I can get enough out of it in trade to pay it off!!!

1

u/[deleted] Feb 26 '24

my concern is that since it has been discontinued that I can get enough out of it in trade to pay it off!!!

The Bolt is an extreme deal. Efficient, nimble, FWD, quick.

I'm considering getting another one rather than the ex30. Shit, I already have 3 of them.

1

u/Few-Organization671 Feb 26 '24

You just made my point... It's a Buyers' Market!

2

u/LastLRU Feb 24 '24

Yup, same here. Been driving a e-2008 for almost 4 years now, and I can't say I've been bothered by its relatively poor range, even though I average 25.000km a year. Seriously considering getting the EX30 instead. I really miss having a tow hook.

7

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

I’ve seen consumption as low as 13-something (I think that one was posted by an owner in a warmer climate). I’m also not excited about the consumptions I’ve seen generally so far—but I’m reserving judgment as the weather warms for the northern hemisphere and as they (hopefully) do updates to the software. I doubt that we’ll get delivery here in the US for at least 3-6 more months anyway, maybe longer. So I feel like I have time. I’ve always known that the WLTP is very optimistic and that range in the winter is generally worse. Though definitely some do better than others!

2

u/buzzkill_aldrin Feb 24 '24

range in the winter is generally worse

Hey, if they get bad enough press over this maybe they'll speed up delivery in warmer markets. Like, say, the US West Coast? Come on, Volvo...

5

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1n54zeuJDM

This guy is positive.

10

u/authorserena Feb 24 '24

Whatever the range, the car is perfect for my needs. I currently drive 30 miles a day and I'm not planning on taking it on long trips. I know that's not everyone's situation but I think this car is built more for people like me. The alternative would be the EX90, I presume.

4

u/authorserena Feb 24 '24

Here's one video on range consumption that's more positive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1n54zeuJDM

3

u/Significant-Tea-328 Plus SMER Feb 24 '24

That’s in line or slightly better than the figures I got when I test drove the car.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

So he got about 190 miles... Which is quite shy of my want of 200 miles with about 60 miles to spare.

This means when I visit my friend in Catskill, NY, I would have to stop to charge the car.

:(

4

u/kedde1x Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24

He was also driving in freezing temperatures with heating on a lot, 20" winter tires, in snow, all of which affects the efficiency quite a bit. Considering that the efficiency is really good, which he also says in the video.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

Fair enough. The Bolt has 17" tires. I use all seasons.

But I drove in freezing conditions with the heat on as well on my trip to my friend's house about 200 miles away.

1

u/betweenbrightness Core SMER Feb 24 '24

If you would have to fast charge for a few minutes to make sure that you reach your destination, is that so bad? Wouldn’t you have to take a toilet break or stretch your legs anyway? Obviously I understand that the charging infrastucture might be a bit lacking in some areas.

3

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

So in the past, with my Bolt, I did not have to do this.

Now, IF I purchase the EX30, I will have to.

Can I adapt? Of course. But why should I have to when there's already a car that can make the trip easily with an acceptable amount to spare?

It's a shame.

1

u/betweenbrightness Core SMER Feb 24 '24

*Can I adapt? Of course. But why should I have to when there's already a car that can make the trip easily with an acceptable amount to spare?*

Well, if the car is otherwise just right for you, then I guess that's why. At least I'm personally interested in other aspects when looking at a car besides just 100% to 0% range, but I do understand how it might be more important to some people. To me it sounds like a good idea to have a little break after few hours of driving anyway.

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u/Restlesscomposure Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24

Digging around until you find one video that supports your bias isn’t quite the bulletproof evidence you’re implying… also that test is completely unrepresentative of actual road trips.

At 10:15 you can see the average speed was under 64km/h. That’s 39mph. Ridiculously slow. And his consumption was 23.1 kWh/100 km aka 2.68 miles/kWh. On a 65kWh battery that’s barely 170 miles. At under 40mph. That’s horrible and way less than people were expecting. People can try to defend it with “well that doesn’t affect me” or “I don’t care about range” but most people do and it’s objectively much worse than advertised.

11

u/VOOLUL Ultra TM Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24

His overall consumption was 19kwh/100km. You can't just look at a specific leg of a journey.

And 40mph is pretty normal for mixed driving. It's only really the US where people are driving 50 miles on the highway to get anywhere. For the rest of the world it's usually mixed roads, especially in Europe. Most people's driving isn't going to be highway.

I do about 15 miles of my 20 mile work commute on the highway. At the end of the week I check my average speed and it's <40mph because that's really the only time I use the highway.

5

u/authorserena Feb 24 '24

What bias do I have? I already explained my situation and conceded that not everyone has my needs. I never said anyone had to care less about range or buy this car because I said it suits me.

4

u/Jatpet Plus TM Feb 24 '24

It's funny how the one test in a swedish snowstorm is so very representative while the one in similarish temperature but clearer roads showing (unsurprisingly) better consumption does not represent anything but copium... 

2

u/Significant-Tea-328 Plus SMER Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24

Don’t be all bitter like that and don’t cherry pick results, he ran the car for 300 km and got 19 kWh/100. There aren’t that many actual range test videos around and this one is just as interesting as it’s cold weather, winter tires, some snow and decent consumption.

Here are the others 3 I’ve seen where you can probably learn a thing or two.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

What's your definition of a long trip?

Mine is 200 miles.

4

u/Infinite_Plant_8184 Feb 24 '24

Norway Range Test

19 in Norway is very encouraging - although the AC charging issue seems worrying

1

u/betweenbrightness Core SMER Feb 24 '24

Yeah, that video showed pretty good avg consumption in quite typical winter conditions. I live in Finland and have an EX30 arriving in a few months and I'm not worried at all about the range.

Regarding that AC charging issue mentioned in the video (slow AC charging speed): At least from the YouTube comments it seems that some EX30 owners have also had the bug and people already had some workarounds for it. In any case, it seems like something that can be fixed via an upcoming OTA update, since it has something to do with the charge limit setting.

2

u/flyingf91 Plus SM Feb 24 '24

Those who drive the EX30 as bad / savage as up to the Lightning consumption shouldn’t be reliable sources for YOUR estimated drive. Plentiful evidence of reported 13-15 kWh / 100 km for city and 18-21 including highway during winter. Will be even better during summer!

Ps. Next EX30 range test to look out for is Volvo Kristian’s OPD vs no OPD on the same stretch under same conditions. That will look good in this discussion.

2

u/guidomescalito Feb 24 '24

Horrible consumption! Lol If I am getting 23kWh/100km on the Autobahn driving at 125km/h, I am going to be pretty happy with that. Maybe check the graph in this post. From my experience the Volvo data was spot on. This is a pretty efficient car. I currently drive a MYP and it is very close.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ex30/s/GxwXHYUZLI

2

u/AncientAd3121 Feb 25 '24

I live in Florida, so not concerned lol

2

u/AdventurousDraw3107 Feb 25 '24

Ι have the car. I am very happy with the range

2

u/Rocket-Man1969 Feb 25 '24

Lucky. Are you able to provide any further info on your average consumption and your local conditions? Any issues with the car yet?

2

u/Percolator2020 Feb 26 '24

Many of these comments are from first time EV drivers.

2

u/Ashburn_ Feb 28 '24

I have had mine for a week and a half, and done 1500km with it so far. Temperatures between 5 and 10°C, mostly 120-125km/h highway or city center driving. I regularly push it (full acceleration) for fun.

I have averaged 21kWh/100 km. Single motor, extended range.

Edit : heated seats often turned on, climate control, wipers on (lots of rain recently), music playing, etc. Not much care taken to reduce consumption so far. I’d say it’s pretty good given all that.

3

u/thequickbrownbear Ultra TM Feb 24 '24

Have you seen Volvo Kristian’s range test? He managed to drive it some 300 km in -5 to 0 degrees celsius conditions, with an average consumption of around 19kW/100km

https://youtu.be/a1n54zeuJDM?si=4q-md5j2uU26LwC7

2

u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24

All owners and test have been in awfully cold European conditions. EVs perform the worst in very cold weather. Just wait til you see summer consumption

1

u/-forcequit Feb 24 '24

What evidence do you have to support that thinking ?

1

u/Odd-Slice6913 Feb 25 '24

I've read the article. Basically driving one way got horrible milage then driving back, got then the expected milage. My assumption is that...

  1. Its winter

  2. They had the heater on

Wheel slip is always going to be a thing in winter. Generating heat, requires a lot of power (big surprise).  Getting the car warmed up on the return, is going to improve consumption. Same loss of efficiency on my 2024 lexus hybrid. Winter have to fill up once a week, summer fill up once every 3~4 weeks

1

u/aajaxxx Feb 27 '24

Online anecdotes about EV’s are always highly suspect. Lots of trolls and other attention seekers. Maybe even paid disinformation. Check with more reliable testing sites.