Volvo’s smallest electric SUV, the Volvo EX30 has scored a highly sought after five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. This badge is testimony to a strong safety record for such a car and sets a new benchmark in the marketplace for global electric vehicles (EV). Scoring a total of over 79% across all categories, the EX30 solidifies Volvo’s focus on passenger safety with technological prowess.
Adult Occupant Protection: Strong Results
The EX30 scored an impressive 88% for adult occupant protection. In the frontal deformable barrier test, it gave marginal thigh protection to the occupants sitting at the front but offered good to adequate protection to other body regions. In the full-width frontal rigid barrier test, it offered excellent protection to front-seat occupants, but rear passengers had marginal chest protection due to compression readings.
The side-impact tests demonstrated that the SUV is sturdy, hence scoring well for its solid side mobile barrier protection. However, on the side pole impact test, it only scored less for its chest protection. Despite this, the far-side protection mechanism, with a front-center airbag, prevented the head impacts between occupants. Moreover, whiplash protection got a good score, and Volvo showed that the occupants could get out of the car even when it was submerged in water.
Child Occupant Protection: Protecting Little Passengers
EX30 reaches an 85% in child occupant protection. It has a perfect score for the impact protection of six- and ten-year-old dummies during a frontal and side-impact test, but it loses points for lacking a child presence detection system, which has nowadays become part of the trim in most cars.
Vulnerable Road User Protection: Areas for Improvement
The SUV had scored the lowest in the vulnerable road user category with 79%. This is because of the fact that some automated safety systems are not turned on by default. For example, although the autonomous emergency braking system performed well in all other scenarios, rear pedestrian protection was missing as a standard feature. Moreover, the dooring system that helps prevent doors opening into cyclists’ paths must be activated by the driver before each journey. These are some of the areas where Volvo can further build on user convenience and safety.
Safety Assistance Systems: Reliable Technology
In the safety assistance category, EX30 scored 80%. Most electronic systems worked smoothly, and this has a lot to do with comprehensive safety frameworks in the car. Volvo is at the forefront of integrating advanced safety technologies, which can give drivers an added layer of confidence as they hit the road.
Read more Volvo EX30 EV: A New Era of Affordable Electric Mobility in India
Key Features That Set the EX30 Apart
- Advanced Airbags: The front-center airbag can prevent head collisions between occupants during side impacts.
- Water Safety: The ability to open doors and windows underwater speaks volumes about Volvo’s focus on extreme safety scenarios.
- Child Protection: The SUV offers superior protection for young passengers while adhering to the strictest global safety norms.
- Collision Mitigation: The autonomous emergency braking system does very well in most cases, thus enhancing the chances of avoiding accidents.
Volvo EX30: A Small EV with Big Ambitions
The EX30 is the smallest of the new-generation EVs by Volvo and looks to break all the norms in the compact electric SUV segment. In Euro NCAP crash tests, this EX30 performed remarkably well, cementing its position in Volvo’s legacy as a safe yet innovative vehicle.
Closing Thoughts: Safety Meets Sustainability
The Volvo EX30 shows that even small EVs can offer uncompromising safety. The Euro NCAP five-star rating is a testament to Volvo’s reputation as the automotive industry’s leader in safety. As it gets ready to enter the Indian market, the EX30 is an exciting combination of robust safety features and eco-friendly technology that heralds an exciting chapter in sustainable mobility.
