Electric SUV recalled

Volvo has issued a safety recall notice in New Zealand for the EX30 made from 2024-26 with chassis numbers 000462 to 605888.

The call-back, which was issued on January 6 according to the NZTA, follows investigations identifying “that in very rare cases overheating of the battery cells may occur at high battery-charge levels”. 

Instructions given to owners of the EV are to “limit the HV-battery charge level to maximum 70 per cent”. This can be done via the charging setting menu in the vehicle display. Go to “charging → target battery level” and set the level to no more than 70 per cent. 

For more information on finding a dealer, visit www.volvocars.com/nz/dealers/find-a-retailer. Autofile has contacted Volvo NZ for more information on the situation in this country.

In Australia, some 2,815 EX30 owners have been asked to keep their cars less than fully charged, reports The Guardian. The federal transport department issued a recall notice on January 9 for all variants in the model range sold across the Tasman during 2024.

It says the fault identified in the battery of the small SUVs could cause a fire. The recall notice adds: “Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high-voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.”

Drivers can continue to use the affected vehicles while waiting for Volvo to develop a solution but should ensure they do not fully charge its battery. The notice adds: “Until a remedy is made available, owners should keep the battery-charge level below 70 per cent.

“When a remedy is available, owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Volvo requesting them to schedule an appointment to have the repair work carried out free of charge.”

The Swedish carmaker began warning drivers elsewhere about the fault in late December and early January. In the UK, Volvo issued a statement advising motorists the battery issue didn’t affect all EX30 models and was yet to cause serious injuries, reports The Guardian. 

“Safety is a top priority for Volvo Cars. While the number of reported incidents is very small – representing around 0.02 per cent of the cars we have identified as potentially affected and we have no reports of related personal injuries – we are treating it very seriously.”