In a landmark moment for South African motoring, a Volvo EX30 Cross Country has etched its name into the history books, becoming the very first all-electric vehicle to successfully conquer the legendary and treacherous Sani Pass. This isn’t just a victory for one car; it’s a powerful statement that electric adventure is no longer a future conceptit’s here.
The achievement, announced by Volvo Car South Africa, is a symbolic leap for sustainable mobility, proving that electric power is more than capable of handling the country’s most extreme and iconic terrain.
More Than a Hill Climb: A “Defining Moment”
The grueling ascent of Sani Pass has long been a rite of passage for 4×4 vehicles, a test of mechanical grit and driver nerve. By tackling its rocky, winding track, the EX30 Cross Country has bridged decades of motoring heritage with a clean-energy future.
“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa. “It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain, and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.”
Powered Purely by the Sun
Perhaps the most remarkable part of this feat is how it was fueled. The entire endeavor was powered by sunshine. For this challenge, a solar-powered EV charging station was installed at the Premium Resort Sani Pass, situated at 1,566 meters. This now stands as the highest solar-powered EV charger in South Africa, meaning the Volvo charged its battery using 100% renewable energy before and after its historic climb.
The Machine Behind the Milestone
The vehicle chosen for this mission was no ordinary EV. The EX30 Cross Country is the rugged, adventure-ready version of Volvo’s smallest SUV. Based on the high-performance Ultra Twin Motor model, it boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing a formidable 315 kW and 543 N.m of torque.
This instant electric power, sent to all four wheels, enables the EX30 Cross Country to sprint from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.7 seconds. Combined with its raised ride height (190 mm ground clearance) and a claimed WLTP range of 427 km, it had the perfect blend of brute force, ruggedness, and endurance needed for the task.
This successful climb does more than just set a record. It shatters the perception that electric vehicles are confined to city streets, boldly demonstrating that a zero-emission future is fully compatible with a spirit of exploration and adventure.
{Source: CarMag}
