We Drive the 2026 Volvo EX30 Single Motor, Where Less Is Actually More

Because the EX30 Single Motor is down one drive unit compared to the Dual Motor, it’s 238 pounds lighter overall. That makes it slightly more nimble while cornering, and the Single Motor has the same quick, darty reflexes I enjoy in the AWD car. The ride quality is also just as good, and the strong regenerative braking option means you can one-pedal-drive all day, every day, with the car slowing itself through energy recuperation. There are even high and low settings now. Don’t like brake regen? Just turn it off. 

The EX30 Single Motor uses the same 69-kWh battery pack as the Dual Motor. The EPA quotes an estimated range of 261 miles for the Single Motor, which isn’t a huge increase over the Dual Motor’s 253 miles. When we ran a Dual Motor on the Edmunds EV Range Test, we observed 256 miles of real-world range. Maybe the Single Motor will beat its 261-mile spec by a larger margin. Rival EVs in this space segment have no trouble hitting 300 miles, after all.

Nifty interior, but the iffy tech remains

There aren’t any differences between the Single Motor and Dual Motor models in terms of interior equipment. You can still pick from a number of neat upholstery colors, and the blend of Nordico faux suede and wool fabric remains a highlight of the cabin.