Volvo is working to fix a number of serious software issues with the EX30 that has, Autocar has been told, resulted in some owners handing their cars back.
These issues, owners say, range from screens going black and steering-wheel buttons not responding to cars not charging and even emergency braking systems randomly activating.
Owners have also shared stories and images online of bricked infotainment touchscreens, incorrect information displayed (such as time and range), profiles reverting back to factory settings and driver aids failing.
Some issues have been so crippling that owners have returned their cars to Volvo for full refunds, Autocar has been told.
In response, a Volvo spokesperson said in a statement: “We recognise that this is not what they expect from their Volvo car, and we are working to remedy this as swiftly as possible with the minimum of inconvenience to our customers.”
It added: "In a very small number of cases in the UK, customers have chosen to exercise their consumer rights to return their cars. Volvo Cars strives and continues to support its customers throughout the ownership journey, and overall we continue to be encouraged by the positive feedback we are receiving from owners.”
The EX30 relies heavily on its software, with most key functions, including the headlights, wing mirrors and climate control, accessed through its central touchscreen.
The electric crossover’s physical controls are limited to window switches, door locks and hazard warning buttons, with steering column switches controlling drive selection, indicators and wiper control.
Volvo has told Autocar that the EX30 has been taken off of its UK online configurator because a 2025-model-year version is due on 8 July. The firm insists the EV remains on sale, with examples currently in dealer stock available and customers able to go to a dealer and pre-select an MY2025 version while the configurator is updated.
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Will Rimmel needs to realise that although some functions are on physical controls, they are all software based too (in almost every car using a CAN). It sounds like he thinks that window switches, indicator stalks etc are all hardwired to the bulbs and motors - they are not. When you press one of these physical switches, just like a touchscreen icon, all it does it request the function to operate from the ECU using software - been like this for years.
I don't get that impression at all, the interface is rubbish it doesn't matter how it's controlled to the user.
That is true but you can still feel the button/switch with your finger, you don't have to look not to accidentally select other function. Also, many times you don't have hands support when you operate the central screens, which makes it even more difficult.
Having said that, younger drivers don't seem to have problems interacting with touchscreens.
Pleased to see that Autocar remedied the conflation of the end of the model year and the refunds.
That's fine, everyone has a smartphone now, even though many resisted at the beginning. It will be the same with EVs. Better technology always wins.