Volvo has announced a delay in the delivery of its EX30 full-electric small SUV, citing software troubles. This setback marks the second software-related issue for Volvo EVs following the EX90.
According to a customer correspondence obtained by Automotive News Europe, Volvo acknowledged the delay, stating, “We confirm that Volvo is working tirelessly to resolve the problem. Important progress has been made but the software version 1.2 does not yet meet all the requirements necessary to be released.”
In response to inquiries about the delay, a Volvo spokesperson commented via email, “A limited number of customers have had to wait a few extra days for their cars to be delivered while we address some minor details, but with these now solved, we look forward to rapidly scaling up EX30 deliveries.” However, the customer correspondence contradicts this assessment, indicating multiple delays lasting about two weeks.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that the EX30s are registered and ready for dispatch from dealerships as soon as the software issue is resolved. The issue is reportedly affecting global deliveries of the SUV. The source further noted that the necessary software update cannot be performed over the air and must be executed at the dealership, starting Tuesday.
Unlike EV leader Tesla, the latter’s vehicles can have the majority of issues and bugs fixed with and over-the-air software update. There’s no need to bring your car to Tesla to fix issues unless it’s related to a physical part. It’s clear Volvo has yet to master its software plan, given what we’re hearing about right now.
The EX30, priced at €36,590 in Germany, is Volvo’s most affordable and fastest accelerating vehicle. It plays a vital role in Volvo’s goal to boost global sales by 69% and achieve a target of 1.2 million car sales by 2025. Volvo achieved a record sale of 708,716 vehicles worldwide in 2023.
Although Volvo declined to provide detailed information on the software issue, the customer correspondence mentioned that the 1.2 software includes essential Google certifications and key updates, without which the cars cannot be delivered. The Volvo spokesperson emphasized the importance of customer experience, saying, “We want the best possible experience for our EX30 customers.”
This delay at Volvo is reflective of broader challenges faced by automakers in integrating software into their vehicles. For example, U.S. EV startup Fisker plans to update software on its Ocean SUVs to enable advanced driver assistance systems, while Volkswagen encountered similar issues with its ID3 full-electric compact in 2020, taking several months to address them.
Update Jan. 31, 2024: A Volvo spokesperson told Tesla North via email, “the Volvo EX30 is now being delivered to customers in Europe. US deliveries were not affected and are still scheduled to begin this summer.”
