Delivery drivers do a good job you know.
They get up at the crack of dawn and drive hundreds of miles to leave a pristine test vehicle on your doorstep before jumping on a train back home.
The problem when they come to collect electric vehicles is that they generally have to charge them before starting on the long journey home, which could delay them by at least an hour.
With that in mind, I always try and leave a chunk of battery unused so they can at least make a dent in their return trip.
So, I thought, I’ll just nip into the local supermarket for a brief top-up as the remaining charge on the Volvo EX30 is down in the teens.
While I do, I’ll get my laptop out and do a few emails while it zaps, perhaps, up to 40 per cent; that seems reasonable.
Dum de dum de dum, head down, lost in the internet, suddenly I look up with a start and the charge meter is reading 80 per cent. How did that happen so quickly? It’s only been on 20 minutes – impressive.
The collection driver is delighted as he won’t have to stop again until he is well down the road but it says a lot about this new Volvo EV.
This is the single motor extended range EX30 in Ultra trim and I’m sure I could get the range over the 300-mile mark if I try.
Problem is, I don’t want to try as the performance of this electrified SUV is addictive.
At a guess, and from the feel and the way it shoots off down the road, I would have estimated the power output to be around 400hp.
Yet the official figure is 272hp and 343Nm of torque.
I can only think that the EX is light then because it is a little rocket ship.
It feels like riding a motorbike; limitless power for overtakes and the ability to slot back into gaps in traffic thanks to regenerative braking, which is activated when you come off the throttle. It’s brilliant.
Handling and grip are excellent too and the quick steering makes EX extremely agile and fun to drive.
Neither does the Volvo chew through the battery alarmingly quickly when you are using the power reserves.
This means range anxiety is seldom a problem. Decent range and rapid charging make the EX a practical contender and it certainly could woo the buying public on to buying an EV – as might the price tag which starts under £40,000.
EX30 is also blessed with good looks. It’s instantly recognisable as a Volvo but is very modern and, with large alloys, really looks the part.
Inside is equally contemporary. It is very clean and minimalist and absolutely everything sits on the centre touchscreen – and I mean everything, even the controls to move the door mirrors.
The trick is to get everything sorted in the driveway – mirrors, Bluetooth, favourite radio station – then it is easier and safer just to leave it all alone.
It is a bit strange not having clocks behind the steering wheel and having to look 45 degrees left to the speedo, which is also on the touchscreen.
But like the rest of the EX you get used to it quickly enough.
There is also voice control but once again it hates my accent so I soon learn to leave that alone as well.
The interior really is a pleasant place in which to reside, especially with the excellent infotainment cranked up. Seats are firm but supportive and it is spacious too for driver and passengers.
So what’s not to like? It has decent range, a manageable price tag, brilliant dynamics and a host of practical features. Who knows? The next delivery driver could be bringing one your way.
Factfile
| Engine: electric, single motor extended range |
| Power: 272hp, 343Nm torque |
| Range: up to 295 miles |
| 0-60mph: 5.3 secs |
| Top speed: 112mph |
| Transmission: Automatic, rear-wheel-drive |
| CO2 g/km: 0 |
| Price: from £43,360 |
