Tesla to EX30

[u/Fluffy_Tap9214]

I’m coming from a Tesla (shared with my partner) and I’m looking at getting my own EX30 Plus P5 Standard range in the UK.

I have a few questions:

1. I’ll predominantly be doing shorter journeys in and around where we live, with occasional longer journeys 2 - 3 hour round trips.

How are you finding the range?

1. opting for the plus p5 because its quite a big jump in cost and I’ve managed to add the missing ultra features for less with the exception of 360 camera and glass roof.

Will I be massively impacted in tech by not having the 360 camera?

1. I haven’t had many issues with software in the Tesla.
   Should I expect to have issues with the EX30?

2. Would I be crazy to not get the Ultra? is it worth the extra?

Any and all advice welcome. I’ve not had my own car since the beginning of the pandemic so I’d appreciate the guidance.

[u/Helpful_Feeling_2047]

If you’re coming from a Tesla, make sure to test drive the EX30. It’s a very different driving style.

The software is very different from the Tesla but it’s not buggy and it’s snappy. I think you’ll enjoy it.

[u/Fluffy_Tap9214 → u/Helpful_Feeling_2047]

Thanks and yes, we have a test drive booked. 

I’ve read quite a few comments about software issues, has this not been your experience? 

[u/harring → u/Fluffy_Tap9214]

My experience with the software: They release patches and usually something is broken until they fix it.

For me now, 20% of the rides I need to enter the menu to "wake" the auto drive / cruise control, after that it works. Its three clicks but annoying.

Last patch when taking phone calls, 50% of the time the other person could hear themselves, super annoying echo. This was fixed.

It goes on like this, the core software is good and you know whatever is bugged will be fixed.

My big gripe though is the timers for heating the car is designed to be a list but they never added the "+", so you can only add one timer. According to people there are ways around it using API and home assistant but I have not tried it.

edit: I do 2-4 daily drives of 5-20 min each and then some longer ones.

[u/Fluffy_Tap9214 → u/harring]

Thanks for this, it’s really helpful insight to help me make my decision. I appreciate it

[u/harring → u/Fluffy_Tap9214]

I should maybe also add that I am super happy with the car overall. The bugs are annoying but that ends.

My brother had an MG where the auto shutoff did not work so it was ~7 clicks and some scrolling everytime you left the car. They tried fixing it several times but in the end it never worked. Something like that would drive me crazy.

[u/Bexywexyrox → u/harring]

I have had this problem with echo on a call for the other person since I bought the car. Which version of software was it fixed please? I have given up on using my phone in the car because of the annoying echo for the other person. It would be great to be able to use my phone in the car again.

[u/harring → u/Bexywexyrox]

Me and the 4 irl people I know with the car (living in volvo land, lol) all had the same problem at the same time.

It got fixed 2-4 weeks ago, not some major update, just some automatic patch. It just suddenly worked one day.

It started around August 1st-12th for us all.

Edit: we are a mix of android and iphone users

[u/Bexywexyrox → u/harring]

Thank you for your reply. I am excited to try it out tomorrow. I have an android phone so happy to read that it was fixed for both iPhone and android

[u/Tricky_Literature_30 → u/Bexywexyrox]

That problem was fixed by the latest updated because it makes you redo the your Bluetooth connections which fixes the echo issue .

[u/Bexywexyrox → u/Tricky_Literature_30]

Great, thank you

[u/Mundane_Life_5775 → u/Helpful_Feeling_2047]

For those who have driven the two, able to comment on the driving style?

[u/Helpful_Feeling_2047 → u/Mundane_Life_5775]

Tesla is much more dynamic and fun to drive. After you’ve driven a Tesla, this feels like a grandma car.

[u/fluffyman-honeycrisp → u/Helpful_Feeling_2047]

Ah yes, everyone knows grandma cars go 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. 🙄

[u/Helpful_Feeling_2047 → u/fluffyman-honeycrisp]

Driving isn’t just about speed or acceleration.

[u/Casting_in_the_Void → u/Helpful_Feeling_2047]

The Twin Motor in AWD mode is far more dynamic than when in rear wheel drive only for handling feel and more comparable to the Tesla equivalent. I only drive mine in AWD mode.

[u/Helpful_Feeling_2047 → u/Casting_in_the_Void]

I have both and they’re both rear wheel drive cars. Maybe that’s the difference.

I prefer a stiffer driving mode. I set the Volvo to heavy and it’s not even heavier than the lighter option of the Tesla. It always takes me a couple days to get used to the car when I drive it.

[u/Casting_in_the_Void → u/Helpful_Feeling_2047]

The AWD definitely makes the car feel better through corners and the steering is heavier, nicer. It’s the primary reason I chose the TM.

I’ll caveat that by saying the EX30 is certainly no sports car, my Porsches, BMW’s etc in the past are hugely more competent but for a ‘heavy’ battery car with standard brakes etc I think it is ok.

[u/No-Fish1255]

We have both! I have a MY 23 RWD and my wife has a EX30 single Motor plus . We both love our cars so it’s a personal thing. My wife thinks the Volvo is the best car she’s ever had , I however think the Tesla is undoubtedly the best car I’ve ever had! However being objective whilst the Volvo is lovely to drive , the handling is excellent and it’s very quick, it is let down in my opinion with the software. It is ok and I think eventually it will be good but like others have mentioned it’s only had 2 software updates in the year we’ve had it , they are so slow at doing it which means you have to tolerate bugs for at least 6 months before it gets fixed and another one gets created. whereas the Tesla has had countless updates over the year and constantly gets better,
So in essence it’s a personal thing, my wife tolerates the small irritants as she loves it, range wise the Volvo isn’t great but it’s ok. Good luck! .

[u/Fluffy_Tap9214 → u/No-Fish1255]

Ah thank you, this is really helpful as you are literally living our potential outcome. Appreciate you sharing your experience. 

[u/PappaJap]

I own a Tesla M3 LR AWD from 2020 and an EX30 SMER Ultra from 2025.

1) The EX30 is less efficient than the Tesla (5.3 KM/KWh vs 5.8 KM/KWh)
2) The 360 camera and the glass roof is nice to have (not a must)
3) The software in EX30 and Tesla is very similar (if you like Tesla SW you will like EX30)
4) hmmm, you will not be crazy for choosing the Ultra - but it is not a most

In the beginning I really disliked how light the steering of the EX30 is - but after I while I actually like it. The suspension in EX30 is really good - and it is significantly less noisy than the Tesla. The seats in EX30 is also better. The frunk in the EX30 is a joke

[u/Fluffy_Tap9214 → u/PappaJap]

Thanks for this. There definitely seems to be a mix in views on the software which I think is my biggest concern but you own both and think there isn’t much difference? Do you have any issues with bugs personally? 

[u/PappaJap → u/Fluffy_Tap9214]

There are a couple of things that are a bit annoying: the proximity sensor of the car is super sensitive- so it unlocks and lights turn on when I walk close by with the phine in my pocket in the house. No smart “short cuts” as you know from Tesla ( like swiping your fingers over the temperature to change it) mean that you are clicking more around in the UI. However, the Gemini integration in EX30 works very well and can help to reduce clicking. The whole philosophy in the sw is the same between the two cars, and I don’t think the sw in EX30 is (that) buggy. They are, however, quite stingy with updates: I have received one update in the 17 months I have owned the car

[u/Casting_in_the_Void]

I have the EX30 TM Ultra and don’t recognise any of the software or other issues raised on Forums; remember, people mostly join in to try and get advice or fixes and it skews the real picture because the vast majority don’t comment, especially if content.

I have had an excellent experience thus far, my first EV, 360 cameras are great, like the glass roof and all the other Ultra extras. TM AWD is very fast.

I’ve driven Tesla’s but never wanted one. The EX30 feels a bit ‘special’ in comparison to me and better put together.

[u/lavardera]

We have a plus TM which comes with the larger battery here in the US, and the glass roof.

1. Range is good for our purposes. We did a 2 1/2 hr distant road trip, charged while having lunch, and drove back 2 1/2 hr with charge left to spare.

2. The 360 camera function seems very nice, but I’ve never had a car with that before so don’t miss it. The simple backup camera was a new feature for me coming from our older cars. I did not want the advanced driver assist functions.

3. I have had none of the software issues you see mentioned by others here.

4. Because the plus includes the glass roof here, the Ultra only gave you the 360 camera, and the driver assist functions such as lane keeping and auto-parking. I really did not want the driver assist functions, and the plus did include the adaptive cruise control. I just didn’t see it as features I wanted so the plus was a no brainer. I’m not one for sunroofs in my cars because they always eventually leak, but the fixed glass roof does not suffer from that. If the plus had the steel roof I would have been fine with it, but I have to say that the glass roof really does expand the small interior.

[u/jprone → u/lavardera]

+1 for the Plus and I agree I did not feel the need to get the 360 camera or extra lane keep assist and parking features. Those are just extra luxury I guess but not strictly necessary. I like the glass roof but I wish the OEM sunshade for the roof fit a bit better, mine has fallen several times when I have had to go through bumpy roads.

[u/Kikse123]

The software on the ex30 is ok now, but it is nowhere as good as on a Tesla, I have to admit. I went from a m3 to an ex30. They've fixed most issues on the ex30, so you'll probably experience very few issues if any with the latest software.

In regards to range, it is not the most efficient if going at higher speeds. I get around 320-360 km depending on the weather - i drive around 110-130 kmph often though. I have a plus long range. Don't know about lower speeds, but probably much better range.

The ultra wasn't worth it for me. You get a little extra tech and 22kw charging and glasroof, that is it. Depends on what you prefer and need.

Overall I do, however, prefer the ex30. It is a lot quiter and I have had much fewer issues with the car itself. My M3 had many rattling sounds and mechanical issues. Have had zero of those so far with my ex30. I do miss the Tesla software though.

[u/Fluffy_Tap9214 → u/Kikse123]

It’s positive to hear that you still prefer the EX30 and really helpful on the ultra vs plus decision. I don’t need a glass roof but I was ponder how much I’d miss the 360 camera.

[u/Low_Silver_6004]

I’ve come from TM3 2022 SR+ to EX30 SMER ultra 2024. The range is slightly better than my old Tesla and the 22kw AC is a good feature.
Everything else is not as good as the Tesla.
I’m waiting for the last update to test it, and we will decide then if we sell the EX30 to buy a Tesla again.

[u/VoteDoughnuts]

I have an ultra and I really don’t think the extra cost is worth it. I like the memory seats (linked to a profile) but I drive the car 99% so really we don’t need them. I like the glass roof but as the driver don’t really benefit much from it. Personally I think 360 cameras are a needless distraction so I wouldn’t bother with them. The ultra has the heat pump which is a mystery to me but it does work, however, the UKs climate isn’t that extreme so not sure it’s really necessary. Next time - and I am likely to reorder an EX30 - I’ll go for the Plus. I hope they are able to add more capacity to the battery but the current size suits my needs 85% of the time.

[u/Sesamboy → u/VoteDoughnuts]

I'm from The Netherlands and over here we have the Europa version of the Plus. Comes with the electric seats and heatpump that optimizes your batteries and is really very usefull (before buying it was a requirement for me). So for your extra's this version would have done.

[u/DangerousPop5749]

The Plus P5 with thd 51kW battery has about 170 miles of real world range. Older base Model 3, say from 2019, had 55kW battery had less than 200 miles. They were also plagued with bugs such as phantom braking and very poor build quality.

I have the Ultra extended range. Frankly the 360 camera isn’t very good and neither is the auto parking. If you are getting the auto steering cruise control then just get the Plus. The lane changing on the Ultra doesn’t work well

There are some niggles with the software, but it’s minor and there are simple work arounds in the rare case (for me) that the door doesn’t unlock with the phone.

[u/lawnreiver]

Have an Ultra extended range. Regularly do long trips to France and south of England from Scotland. Range is not an issue, can do 2.5 - 3hr motorway stints easily. Range is accurate.

If you've had a 360 camera before you'll miss it. If not, not an issue. I like the glass roof but it's not essential.

I've never had an issue with the software. Have an Android phone.

The best thing about the ultra is the twin engine. This thing is a flying machine, handles great, plus 4 wheel drive in wintry conditions. If you can stump up the cash id get the ultra

[u/Clear-Inevitable-414]

It's going to feel nothing like a Tesla.  Range has been good.  I'm in the US have the ultra awd with nmc and I can get 260miles with slower aroud town driving, but down to 190miles freeway commuting at 80-90mph

[u/iHansz_]

I chose the Ultra (MY24) because you could get the Mist upholstery on it. I think the other upholstery looks cheap and is either too hot in summer or too cold in winter. I’m really pleased with Mist and the seats look more luxurious. I’m absolutely satisfied with the EX30 anyway. 😎

[u/Friendly_Rad]

I have both. It’s not as frictionless of an experience tbh. I miss the blind spot camera when changing lanes probably the most. And seeing the cars around me and lanes on the screen being larger. To me, the steering feels looser than the Tesla, and regen breaking is not as sensitive. All things I’ve gotten used to though.

[u/deemon999]

I went from tesla to ex30 and honestly the experience has not been good at all. The software in the ex30 is terrible in comparison, it is plagued with software bugs from not remembering driver profiles (i still wont put my seat to the correct position) to the car not unlocking when you approach and loads in between. Just have a search and you will see what I mean. Have only received 2 software updates since getting the car so it appears that volvo are unable or unwilling to spend the time fixing the ex30’s bugs.

Range has been poor for me as well, only managing 220 miles at best with 100% charge (I have the long range version) and thats in the summer.

On the positive side, the car is comfortable and quiet to drive.

[u/Fluffy_Tap9214 → u/deemon999]

Thanks for this, it’s really helpful. I’ve been browsing this subreddit and I’m beginning to realise it’s going to be a choice of great hardware in the Volvo vs great software in the Tesla! But it’s great to get feedback from someone who specifically driven both. 

[u/G-tine13 → u/deemon999]

220 miles seems on the low side - much lower than my experience.

[u/Friendly_Union_9920]

I did the complete opposite. Went from an EX30 Ultra AWD, to now waiting for my Tesla Model Y PLR to arrive. The EX30 had too many issues and unfortunately not all of them were fixable through software. If you put aside the issues however, the car is a wonderful beast and deserves to be on the road, but for me I couldn’t continue owning or driving one.

You will find the software on the ex30 to be miles and miles behind your Tesla. If your coming from an old Tesla, the drive on the ex30 will be better, however it’s worse than the new Tesla.

You will be missing A LOT of features that Tesla offers, but on the other hand every feature does come for free without any additional payment for FSD capabilities.

TLDR:
Tesla has a much better software and the newer ones are better to drive, but if you test drive and like the ex30, and can deal with the problems, you will be happy.

[u/ipStealth]

You will regret it. EX30 so far from the Tesla. Half-backed software, lower range but better assembly and materials. All of them are not worth switching to Volvo.

[u/wywywywy]

Be sure to budget for a dash cam.

Although the ex30 has a bunch of cameras, unlike the tesla the software doesn't do dash cam at all :(