Volvo EX30 and Tesla Model 3: how to choose?

Did you know that in 2023, the Tesla Model Y and the Tesla Model 3 were the two best-selling electric cars in Canada (Model Y: 29,582 units; Model 3: 29,122 units)?

When it comes to electric vehicles, there's no denying that Tesla has made a name for itself in Quebec. However, not everyone who wants to drive an electric car wants to do so with the American brand.

With this in mind, Volvo has introduced its new electric SUV - the Volvo EX30.

So, if you're in the middle of a shopping spree and you're hesitating between the two models, you'll find in this article a comparison of the Volvo EX30 vs. the Tesla Model 3.

Which design meets your expectations?

The Tesla Model 3 and the Volvo EX30 share the same minimalist philosophy inside and out. However, the Volvo EX30 seems to have something extra.

The Tesla Model 3

In terms of design, the Tesla Model 3 is no exception to the minimalist strategy put in place by Franz von Holzhausen. On the outside, the lines are fluid, almost futuristic; an approach further accentuated by the restyling of the model in 2024.

Inside, the centre console features a 15.4-inch screen in a 16:9 format that brings together all the vehicle's information. Not forgetting the rear seats, which now have an 8-inch touchscreen.

According to the various articles we read in preparation for our own, all the journalists highlighted the improved quality of the materials used on the new Tesla Model 3 compared to the previous generation.

The Volvo EX30 

On the outside, the Volvo EX30 takes up the codes of Swedish style, with the Thor-shaped light signature as representative of Nordic elegance as ever.

As for the interior, Volvo has also decided to centralise all the driving and infotainment information in the vertically positioned 12.3-inch central screen. Last but not least, the Volvo EX30 uses recycled materials, with different ambiances, to give the interior a natural, high-quality look.

Verdict 

Both vehicles have a minimalist approach, both inside and out. However, in terms of overall design, the Volvo EX30 stands out for the fact that the vehicle is still a rarity on our roads. With almost 200,000 Teslas sold in Canada, you can't drive one without being noticed.

What ergonomics are best suited to families?

If the design of a vehicle is one of the buying criteria, ergonomics are even more important, especially when it's a family car.

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 measures exactly 4.694 metres in length, 1.849 metres in width and 1.443 metres in height, with a wheelbase of 2.875 metres. In terms of load volume, the car offers 682 litres (front and rear boot), which is not at the expense of generous seating capacity, particularly in the rear according to journalists.

However, since ergonomics is also about driving, it's worth noting that the Tesla Model 3 no longer has any controls behind the steering wheel. From now on, the indicators, windscreen wipers and even the gear lever have migrated, either to the steering wheel or directly from the central screen.

Finally, when it comes to infotainment, Tesla's technology is as fluid as ever, incorporating a host of features. It should be noted, however, that it does not include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is 4.23 metres long, 21 cm shorter than the XC40. The width is 1.83 metres and the height 1.55 metres, while the wheelbase is 2.65 metres. As for boot space, it offers 318 litres as standard and 904 litres when the rear seats are folded down. There's also a 7-litre boot at the front, ideal for storing the charging cable or small items.

In terms of infotainment ergonomics, Volvo is working with Google to integrate Google Built-in which enables native apps, tailored to the brand's interface while still having a fully hands-free driving experience.

For example, it's possible to join scheduled meetings and conference calls from the car's screen or say"hey google" to get answers to your questions.

Verdict

In terms of space on board, the Tesla Model 3 offers more space and load volume because the vehicle is larger. On the other hand, the compactness of the Volvo EX30 is better suited to city driving, with a high driving position. Finally, Tesla's reputation for infotainment technology is well established. Either way, the experience is all about the user.

Which car offers the best performance and range for your journeys?

In this comparative article, it's hard to ignore the range and recharging speed of these vehicles.

Tesla Model 3

The biggest change to the Tesla Model 3 will be its range. While the previous version of the Model 3 had a certified range of 438 kilometres, the new version has a range of 584 kilometres, a gain of 146 kilometres over the rear-wheel drive version. The all-wheel drive version has a range of 550 kilometres, while the Performance version has a range of 487 kilometres.

Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is equipped with a battery with a total capacity of 69 kWh. In terms of range, the Single Motor version can travel up to 442 km, while the Dual Motor version has a slightly shorter range of 426 km.As for recharging, the Volvo EX30 delivers a maximum power output of 155 kW, enabling the battery to be recharged from 10 to 80% in just over 26 minutes. To reach 100%, Tesla wins out with around fifty minutes compared with seventy for the Volvo EX30.

Verdict 

In terms of range and charging speed, Tesla is still slightly ahead. However, as the American brand is making its network of Supercharger stations available to certain manufacturers (including Volvo), the Volvo EX30 benefits from the same advantages as Tesla, i.e. access to a large network of high-voltage charging stations.

What about the purchase price?

Finally, as the purchase price of a new electric vehicle is also a deciding factor, we are offering a comparison of the purchase price as well as the rental price.

Prix de la Tesla Model 3

Rear-wheel drive and long range: $54,990

All-wheel drive and long range: $59,990

Performance all-wheel drive: $69,990

Price of the Volvo EX30

Core version: The Core version is only available as a Single Motor, but this keeps the price down, starting at $53,700.

Plus: The Plus trim level, which gives access to the two electric powertrains, Single and Twin Motor. As for pricing, you'll have to shell out $56,900 for a Single Motor version and $59,100 for the Twin Motor.

Ultra : The Ultra version will allow you to drive in a Volvo EX30 with all options for a price of $59,900 if you choose the Single Motor version or $62,100 for the Twin Motor version.

Government incentives

Since January 2025, no government incentives have been available for the purchase or lease of these vehicles. 

However, this could change in the coming weeks with the possible return of the Roulez Vert programme in Quebec.

The final verdict

When it comes to electrification, there's no denying that Tesla remains a key player. With vehicles offering more than satisfactory performance, an experience geared towards technology enthusiasts and an extensive network of Superchargers, the American brand has made its mark.

However, the days when Tesla was the sole player in the Canadian market are long gone. Today, there are dozens of competitors, and they have their trump cards. As for the Volvo EX30, we'd be biased if we said it was better than the Tesla Model 3 - each vehicle embodies a modern vision of electric mobility, adapted to the needs of the Quebec market.

Above all, the question is: do you want to embody this vision of electric driving in a Tesla or a Volvo?