Exactly how much does it cost to recharge a Volvo electric battery?
More and more of you are questioning the relevance of an electric vehicle versus a combustion engine in your daily use, especially from a budget point of view.
Between the cost of maintenance and the cost of an electric charge, we thought it was time to put the figures on paper and make a real comparison, using the most compact and urban SUV in our range as an example.
In this article, find out how much it costs to recharge the battery in the new Volvo EX30.
The Volvo EX30 at a glance
But before we go into detail about the charging costs of the Volvo EX30, here are a few key facts about this vehicle:
- Designed as a 100% electric model, it is offered in two versions: Single Motor offering 268 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. Twin Motor with 422 hp and 400 lb-ft.
- Designed with eco-responsibility in mind, the EX30 uses recycled materials: 25% aluminum, 17% steel and plastics, and an interior combining denim and linen.
- The Volvo EX30 offers 4 interiors inspired by nature, including 5 ambient themes and exterior colors.
What types of refill are available?
To understand the cost of a refill, you need to understand the different types of refill available.
Level 1: Standard 120v outlet
The 120v home plug allows any Volvo driver to recharge their vehicle partially or fully at home, without having to install a charging station. The major drawback: using a standard 120V outlet requires between 19 and 48 hours for a full recharge.
Level 2: Use of charging stations
Whether at home or at public charging stations, a Level 2 charging station enables a Volvo driver to fully recharge his or her electric vehicle within a timeframe of between 4 and 9 hours.
Level 3: Recharging via fast charging stations
Finally, level 3 terminals, also known as fast terminals, can recharge 80% of a battery in just ten minutes.
On this subject, Volvo has just signed an agreement with Tesla to enable plugging in at any time, anywhere in North America, to the American brand's Supercharger network.
How much does it cost to recharge the battery in the Volvo EX30?
But how much does recharging actually cost? A number of factors come into play, including the kWh recovered or the subscription costs for public charging stations. In any case, the higher the wattage you use, the more expensive the recharge will be.
Charging a Volvo EX30 at home
Let's start with the cost of charging your Volvo EX30 at home, excluding charging from a 120v outlet.
With a fuel consumption of 17KwH/100km, an 80% city / 20% highway electric drive mix, an annual mileage of 10,000 kilometers and a kWh price of $0.11892, we estimate* that your Volvo EX30 would cost around $199.79 annually to run.
In comparison, the Volvo XC40 with a B3 mild hybrid internal combustion engine, which consumes approximately 6.5 l/100 km, will cost you $900 with the same operating parameters and a price per liter of $1.55 - an expense that increases by 450%...
*estimate based on Hydro-Québec simulator
Charging a Volvo EX30 at public charging stations
With regard to the cost of public charging, the estimates we are about to share relate to various factors*: subscription, charging time and kWh recovered.
Level 2 terminal (240V)
- Hourly rate: between $0 and $3 per charging hour, billed by the minute, in increments of $0.25;
- A flat rate: between $0 and $20 per charging session
- Pricing by time slot: between $0 and $3 per time slot, and between $0 and $3 for periods of inactivity (when the vehicle has completed its charge, but is still connected to the terminal).
24 kW high-speed terminal
50 kW high-speed terminal
100 kW high-speed terminal
Ultra-fast terminal over 100kW
To find out exactly how the charging stations work and what rates apply, we invite you to visit Hydro-Québec's Circuit Électrique website.
*rates from Hydro-Québec's Circuit Electrique as of April 2, 2024
Are electric vehicles really cost-effective when compared with combustion engines?
In the case of the Volvo EX30, the benefits go beyond the cost of charging. With an equivalent Core trim level, the Volvo EX30 is $6250 cheaper.
As a reminder, the Volvo XC40 Recharge starts at $59,950, unlike the Volvo EX30, which starts at $53,700. In addition to saving annually on running costs, the Volvo EX30 will cost you less to buy.
If you are interested in the new Volvo EX30, please contact us directly using this form.
