- Volvo is recalling every EX30 electric SUV due to a software bug affecting the digital speedometer.
- Over-air update will prevent glitchy China-built EVs showing a ‘test’ screen instead of the vehicle’s speed.
- Automaker finally began production of its larger EX90 SUV last week after delaying the launch due to another software problem.
Volvo’s little EX30 has been showered with praise by reviewers since its launch last year, but today the Smart #1 rival – and cousin – hit a bump in the road with the news that every single example is being recalled due to a software glitch.
A computer bug has been blamed for causing the digital speedometer in the centrally-mounted vertical touchscreen to switch to a ‘test’ mode when the car is started. In typical modern recall-style, this is something that can be sorted cheaply and easily by an over-air software update to the 71,956 affected vehicles, so the remedy doesn’t require a trip to the dealer, Bloomberg reports.
Related: Volvo Shifting Chinese EX30 And EX90 Production To Belgium Before EU Tariffs
But it’s a blow to Volvo, who seemed to have finally got over another software glitch that caused it to delay the introduction of the 30’s big brother, the EX90 by over six months. The three-row SUV finally entered production at Volvo’s Charleston, South Carolina, plant last week following after Volvo got to grips with a software issue related to the EX90’s driver assistance systems. Volvo also had to briefly delay EX30 deliveries earlier this year due to another software problem.
The EX30 goes on sale in the U.S. this summer, but it’s been available in Europe since the beginning of the year and has proved a hit with buyers who appreciate its handsome design, surprisingly reasonable prices and – in top-spec trim – blistering pace. A 3.4-second 0-62 mph (100 kmh) time makes the EX30 Twin Motor Performance variant the fastest accelerating Volvo ever.
Geely-owned Volvo builds the EX30 in China, but will now move some production to Belgium to avoid the tariffs EU regulators are expected this week to slap on Chinese-built cars arriving on the continent. The Belgium plan is timely, rather than a knee-jerk reaction to the incoming tariffs, Volvo having already revealed its intentions before the EU started freaking out about unfair state subsidies for Chinese brands.
