The original model was a EV-stuffed ICE so lots of superfluous metal bits that apparently were easier to leave in till the thing could be re-engineered and the assembly lines retooled.

 

But 500lbs of extra metal seems like a lot to leave in. Since range is affected by the weight you would think that they would try to be as light as possible

 

Todays EV batteries aren’t all that different than Tesla’s early versions. The next generation of EV batteries (hopefully in 2 plus years) will be more powerful, charge quicker, less flammable, provide greater range and….weigh less! These new batteries will be the great game changer! Now, someone with a lot more technical expertise than me, will elaborate!

 

Tesla cells and battety packs today are very similar to other EV cells and packs, if not inferior with respect to charge time. Look at how fast 800 V cars charge compared to Teslas.

 

Parked next to an EX30 the other day. It's TINY! Too small for us.

 

Volvo doesn't use a lot of aluminum in their cars. Steel, particularly high-strength boron steel is heavy. It deforms in a more consistent manner in an accident and is repairable. It's all very well to manufacture large aluminum castings as they do at Tesla, but having to replace one after a serious accident? How does a write-off sound for your insurance costs? Weight isn't the enemy - wind resistance, yes, and needing more power to move that additional weight. But power in an EV isn't exactly a problem - it just takes a larger battery, and pack costs are dropping.

 

I like this answer but the Ex30 is also a Volvo. Yes its smaller but still that weight difference and ability to accelerate with less torque is a head scratcher. I hear the motors are different as well

 

It's a lot smaller and the Volvo has a much sturdier interior with thicker trim and materials.

 

We need the 500 in icy- snowy weather 4 wheels is only useful with some weight

 

interesting question but since we have both a ex30 twin and ex40 twin (xc40 recharge) in our household, I see the following differences:
1) ex30 is way smaller than, hence lighter
2) body material is less sturdy, hence lighter
3) interior material is thinner and recycled, hence lighter
4) less buttons, speakers and padding, hence lighter
5) ex40 twin or extended range single motor have 82kwh, hence it will be heavier

Yes the ex30 is faster but I can't express in words how the ex40 is better at every day driving. the ex40 gives you much better control, especially in braking terms.

The ex30 is a next gen EV with no ice sibling, so the drag coefficient is way lower than the ex40 or ec40. As other said, the ex40 still has ICE remnants in it while the ex30 does not. It doesn't mean that the e30 is flawless (like practically non existent OPD, but that's another discussion altogether), the worst problem with it is the flat/skateboard battery structure which makes rear passenger arch their legs upwards.

Hope the above helps, I'd gladly answer any query the original poster might have

 

This is the battery pack from a Lucid Air. Note the spot in front of the rear seats for a footwell. Now the Air is a lot bigger than our XC40s at 196” long, but the car is 12” lower, while the pack is 113kWh.

 

View attachment 9122
This is the battery pack from a Lucid Air. Note the spot in front of the rear seats for a footwell. Now the Air is a lot bigger than our XC40s at 196” long, but the car is 12” lower, while the pack is 113kWh.

Foot garage. Taycan has one.

 

XC40/C40/P2 also has space for feet for rear passangers. I hate this notion that a flat battery pack is some sort of great accomplishment. Its a way to cut costs and it is not optimized for packaging efficiency.

 

XC40/C40/P2 also has space for feet for rear passangers. I hate this notion that a flat battery pack is some sort of great accomplishment. Its a way to cut costs and it is not optimized for packaging efficiency.

View attachment 9132

Gospel according to Musk, who is an expert in making money and self promotion, but is not actually an engineer. Peter Rawlinson of Lucid and R J Scaringe of Rivian are. Peter was the Chief Vehicle Engineer of the Tesla Model S, and to my way of thinking, the Lucid Air represents the way things should have been done. The new Gravity is a step well beyond the model X. Lucid and Rivian’s future mid-sized cars could be a big move forward, but for this ugly so-called tariff (import tax) war that’s looming. Unfortunately, cheap high-quality aluminum, made in hydro-electric powered Canadian smelters is key to the success of the North American auto industry.