Volvo issues fire safety warning for 2025 EX30 electric SUV

Owners of the 2025 Volvo EX30 should keep a close eye on where they park tonight. Volvo has officially asked drivers of its smallest electric SUV to park outdoors and away from buildings. The safety warning comes after reports that the car's large battery could catch fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the issue, noting that the high-voltage batteries in some of these electric cars can overheat and short-circuit.

The Swedish automaker identified a specific problem with the battery cells. Inside the battery, a chemical reaction can cause small "lithium plating" to grow. These growths can lead to a short circuit, which creates a serious fire risk even when the car is turned off. To stay safe, Volvo tells owners to limit their charging to 70%. Keeping the battery at a lower charge level helps prevent it from getting too hot while the company works on a permanent fix.

Not that long ago, Volvo recalled over 400,000 other vehicles for camera issues, but this fire risk affects a much smaller group. In the United States, only 40 units of the 2025 EX30 built between September 6, 2024, and October 25, 2025, are part of this specific recall. The batteries in these cars were made by the Sunwoda Power Battery Company in China. If a car starts to have a problem, a warning message about "battery overheating" will show up on the driver's screen.

The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a small crossover designed to be an affordable entry into the world of EVs. It measures 166.7 inches long, 76.4 inches wide, and 61.2 inches tall. In the US market, the price for the base model starts at $34,950. Despite its small size, it packs a punch. The single-motor version produces 268 horsepower, while the dual-motor model delivers 422 horsepower and can reach 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

For now, Volvo is still figuring out how to fix the problem. They haven't said if they will replace the battery or just update the software. Owners will be able to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official recall website starting January 26. The company also plans to mail formal letters to everyone affected by February 23. Until those letters arrive and the repairs are finished, it is best to follow the advice to park in open spaces.

Even with this safety hiccup, the EX30 is a major part of Volvo's push for electric cars. The model features a 69 kWh battery and can travel up to 275 miles on a full charge in its most efficient trim. It weighs between 4,034 lb and 4,321 lb depending on the motor setup. Volvo says they have not received any reports of injuries or accidents in the US related to this battery defect yet.

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