40,000 EVs Could Catch Fire

Volvo Cars is recalling more than 40,000 EX30 electric vehicles. The model’s battery pack could overheat, leading to a fire.   

According to Reuters, which first reported the recall, the automaker is currently contacting affected owners, telling them they should limit charging the battery to 70 percent capacity. Replacing the affected battery packs could cost the automaker $200 million.   

It’s unclear how many cars are affected in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet published an official recall report. Motor1 has reached out to Volvo for more information related to EX30 owners in America.   

Volvo introduced the EX30 as a follow-up to the electric EX90, with deliveries beginning in the United States in late 2024.   

Motor1’s Take: The battery packs in electric vehicles and hybrids pose unique risks when there is a defect. Faulty batteries can catch fire and can be incredibly difficult to extinguish, with some automakers going as far as instructing owners to park their vehicles away from structures and other cars. The EX30 is wildly popular in Europe, and this recall could hurt sales going forward.