GOTHENBURG: The Volvo EX30 can now power external devices directly from its battery, thanks to a new software update.
This transforms the EX30 into a mobile power source wherever it’s parked.
Picture a cold early morning at a football pitch. You’ve just dropped off a group of keen young players and there’s time before kick-off. You open the boot, plug a coffee machine into the car and brew a fresh pot, sharing a few cups with fellow onlookers.
The same setup can run tools for a DIY project, keep a fridge cold when electricity goes out or power cooking equipment at your weekend camping spot.
Starting this week, Volvo Cars is rolling out its latest over-the-air software update to both new and existing EX30 customers.
It will be free of charge and reach customers globally over the coming weeks.
It also introduces an updated user experience, with a customisable contextual bar and redesigned settings menu that make it easier to access the controls that matter most to you.
The EX30 also gains Plug & Charge functionality, making public charging simpler and more convenient.
The Plug & Charge function is currently only available in Europe and on EX30 cars from model year 2026 onwards.
Drivers can simply connect their car at compatible public charging stations and charging starts automatically – with no need for apps, cards or extra steps.
“Through the power of software and over-the-air updates, we can continue to enhance our cars with useful new features long after customers have bought them – including capabilities they may not have expected when they first purchased the car,” says Volvo Cars head of global software engineering Alwin Bakkenes.
Using the car as a mobile power bank is straightforward.
You connect an adapter to the external charging port, plug in the device you want to use, and draw power from the car’s battery. Once connected, it works much like a standard power outlet.
The V2L adapter is required to connect external devices and is sold separately.
The system can deliver up to 3kW of power at 16 amps, which is enough for a wide range of everyday equipment.
Power can be used as needed, and the car will automatically stop supplying energy if the battery level drops below 20 per cent.
This functionality is part of bidirectional charging, which means the car can both take in and supply electricity.
In this case, it's about Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allows you to power external devices directly from the car.
The Volvo EX30 becomes one of the early adopters of this technology in the premium compact segment.
The same capability is also available on the Volvo EX60 fully electric SUV, with more models to follow.
