Volvo Recalls 10,500 EVs After Battery Fires

Volvo is proactively recalling 10,500 of its EX30 electric vehicles globally due to concerns about battery fires. The company identified the issue in late December and has instructed owners not to charge their vehicles beyond 70% capacity while a permanent fix is developed. Repairs are slated to commence in late March.

This recall highlights Volvo's commitment to safety, even amidst commercial challenges. Managing Director Nicole Melillo Shaw acknowledges the situation tests a brand built on safety leadership, particularly as electric vehicle adoption progresses more slowly than projected, despite consistent annual growth.

Shaw notes that while range anxiety is diminishing, infrastructure remains a concern, compounded by mixed government messaging on incentives and potential future charges. Global manufacturing shifts and tariff pressures have increased the UK's significance as Volvo's third-largest market, where a direct-to-consumer sales model is driving growth.

Regulatory mandates require manufacturers to meet significant electrification quotas. Volvo, having discontinued diesel models in the UK in 2023, is poised to transition fully to electric if demand permits. The company faces the challenge of meeting these targets while managing development costs and competitive pricing.

Melillo Shaw also shared her personal journey into automotive leadership, emphasizing Volvo's deliberate recruitment strategy to gain an outsider's perspective on car ownership anxiety. She advocates for broader industry access and clearer career pathways, particularly for individuals from working-class backgrounds.