Volvo’s software problems with their electric vehicles have raised concerns about the growing prevalence of such issues in the industry. The Swedish automaker had to delay production of their flagship 2025 EX90 due to software glitches, and even after production began, they informed buyers that their vehicles might not be complete upon delivery. Customers were told to expect over-the-air updates to restore functionality, which is not something one would typically associate with an $80,000 vehicle.
The EX30 model has faced even more trouble, with its software issues reminiscent of those experienced by Volkswagen’s ID.3 and Chevy’s Blazer EV during their launches. Autocar reports a range of problems, including black screens, unresponsive steering-wheel buttons, failing charging systems, and even randomly activating emergency braking systems. Some customers have been so frustrated that they have returned their vehicles to Volvo for full refunds.
Volvo claims that the EX30 remains on sale, but in the UK, they have directed online shoppers to the 2025 model instead. The configurator on Volvo’s UK site states that the 2024 model is no longer available for new configurations. However, it is uncertain whether this notice is the same for other countries such as France, Germany, or Sweden. A forum post on a UK site revealed that ordering has been disabled on the UK site for three months, suggesting that there may be significant issues with the model.
Despite its problems, the EX30 has been a popular choice among EV buyers. Volvo has sold over 35,000 units in Europe by the end of May, making it the third-best-selling EV in the region after Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3. While every new car comes with its share of hiccups, what sets EVs apart is that their primary issues often stem from software rather than mechanical problems.
Forums dedicated to EX30 owners showcase a mix of satisfied owners praising the build quality alongside frustrated customers discussing various faults and technical issues. It is clear that software problems have become a recurring theme, with multiple threads dedicated to discussing and seeking solutions for these issues. Even threads not specifically created to address problems often include comments from owners asking Volvo to fix certain issues.
Volvo has been proactive in addressing software issues, as evidenced by the delays in EX30 production and the recall of every EX30 due to a fault that could be fixed with an over-the-air update. This approach indicates that Volvo wants to fix problems on the go rather than issuing a stop-sale. However, with these problems now spreading, it remains to be seen if Volvo’s programmers can keep up and resolve the issues before more drastic actions are necessary.
As for the US market, the EX30 will not be available until 2025 at the earliest. Volvo is currently working on finding a manufacturing solution that will allow them to avoid tariffs, further delaying the launch of the model in the country.
Overall, the software problems faced by Volvo’s electric vehicles raise concerns about the reliability and functionality of these cars. While EVs offer numerous benefits, their increasing complexity and reliance on software create unique challenges. It is crucial for automakers to address these issues promptly and effectively to maintain customer satisfaction and confidence in the technology.