Owners of the 2025 Volvo EX30 are advised to be cautious about parking their vehicles. Volvo has issued an official warning to drivers of its smallest electric SUV, recommending that they park outdoors and away from buildings. This safety alert follows reports of potential fire risks associated with the car's large battery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed this issue, noting that the high-voltage batteries in some of these electric vehicles can overheat and lead to short circuits.
The Swedish automaker identified a specific issue with the battery cells. A chemical reaction within the battery can cause small "lithium plating" to develop. This growth can result in short circuits, creating a significant fire hazard even when the vehicle is turned off. As a precaution, Volvo advises owners to limit charging to 70%, which helps prevent excessive heat while the company works on a permanent solution.
It is worth noting that Volvo recently recalled over 400,000 vehicles due to camera issues; however, this fire risk affects a considerably smaller cohort. In the U.S., only 40 units of the 2025 EX30, manufactured between September 6, 2024, and October 25, 2025, are part of this specific recall. These vehicles are equipped with batteries produced by Sunwoda Power Battery Company in China. If a problem arises, a warning message regarding "battery overheating" will appear on the driver's display.
The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a compact crossover designed to provide an affordable introduction to the electric vehicle market. It measures 166.7 inches in length, 76.4 inches in width, and 61.2 inches in height, with a base price in the U.S. starting at $34,950. Despite its compact dimensions, the EX30 delivers impressive performance; the single-motor version generates 268 horsepower, while the dual-motor variant boasts 422 horsepower and accelerates to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Currently, Volvo is determining the best course of action to address the issue, though details regarding whether battery replacements or software updates will be used have not yet been disclosed. Owners can check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official recall website starting January 26. Additionally, the company plans to send formal notifications to all affected individuals by February 23. Until then, parking in open spaces remains the safest option.
Despite this safety concern, the EX30 plays a key role in Volvo’s commitment to electric mobility. The model features a 69 kWh battery, capable of achieving up to 275 miles of range on a full charge in its most efficient configuration. Its weight ranges from 4,034 to 4,321 pounds, depending on the motor setup. Volvo has confirmed that it has not received any reports of injuries or accidents in the U.S. related to this battery defect as of now.
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