Volvo has issued a global safety notice for the electric Volvo EX30 compact crossover regarding a potential fire risk with the battery. In accordance, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has confirmed that some of the EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance models are affected, specifically those produced and sold between 2024 and 2025.
However, VCM has stated that not every EX30 variant falls under the notice.
The fire risk stems from a defect in the battery cells modules, causing it to overheat at a high state of charge (SoC) and in a worst-case scenario, catch fire.
Though the number of reported cases are very low, accounting for only 0.02% of the vehicles identified as potentially affected with no personal injuries, it is best play on the side of safety.
With that, Volvo has strongly advised owners against charging the battery above 70%. Additionally, owners should reduce the charging limit for the battery in the vehicle settings to accidentally avoid going above the stated SoC.
Globally, around 34,000 units are subject to the warning notice. Unfortunately, Volvo has not been able to identify a fix just yet but will issue a recall as soon as they can rectify it.
On a larger front, the issue is not exclusive to just Volvo but involves all vehicles equipped with a battery from Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda.
Volvo’s parent company, Geely, has filed a lawsuit via its subsidiary against Sunwoda alleging that the battery producer supplied them with defective batteries.
The same batteries are also used in other Geely group models such as Zeekr and Smart. It remains to be seen if these models will be affected as well.