Volvo has issued an urgent safety directive to owners of certain EX30 electric vehicles, advising them not to charge their car's battery beyond 70% of its total capacity.
Specific Models Affected by Safety Notice
The Swedish car manufacturer is contacting owners of EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance models manufactured between 2024 and 2026. The company identified a potential defect in high-voltage battery cells supplied by a particular manufacturer.
In a formal statement, Volvo explained that these specific battery cells can overheat when charged to a high level. In a worst-case scenario, this overheating could lead to a fire starting within the battery pack.
Volvo's Response and Driver Instructions
Volvo UK has moved swiftly to notify all affected customers. The company's guidance is clear: owners should use their vehicle's settings to cap the maximum charge level at 70% until a permanent repair is available.
The automaker also highlighted that an overheating warning could illuminate on the car's digital dashboard. If this occurs, drivers are instructed to stop the vehicle safely and exit it immediately.
"Safety is a top priority for Volvo Cars," a company spokesperson stated. "While the number of reported incidents is very small – representing around 0.02% of the cars we have identified as potentially affected – and we have no reports of related personal injuries, we are treating it very seriously."
Scope of the Issue and Next Steps
Volvo has emphasised that the risk, while serious, appears to be rare. The affected population is a tiny fraction of the total EX30 models on the road. Nevertheless, the precautionary measure is being implemented globally.
The company has assured owners that it is working on a definitive solution. Volvo will contact owners again as soon as a fix is ready for deployment. In the interim, adhering to the 70% charging limit is considered the essential safety step.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the complex supply chains of the electric vehicle industry, where a single component from one supplier can necessitate a widespread safety action.
