Volvo Cars has begun rolling out an over-the-air software update that lets the EX30 supply up to 3 kW of power at 16 amps to external devices directly from its battery. The update is free and will reach new and existing customers globally over the coming weeks. Drawing power from the car requires an adapter, sold separately, that connects to the external charging port on the Volvo EX30, and once connected the company says it works much like a standard power outlet. The same update adds Plug & Charge functionality in certain European markets.
Highlights
- Up to 3 kW at 16 amps delivered through an adapter connected to the EX30’s external charging port
- Power delivery stops automatically when the battery level drops below 20 percent
- Free over-the-air update reaching new and existing EX30 customers globally over the coming weeks
- Plug & Charge limited to Europe and to EX30 cars from model year 2026 onward
How Does the EX30 Power External Devices?
The process is straightforward, according to Volvo. The driver connects an adapter to the external charging port, plugs in the device, and draws power from the car’s battery. The system supports everyday equipment — Volvo cites coffee machines, power tools for a DIY project, a refrigerator during an outage, and cooking equipment at a campsite. Power can be used as needed, and the car cuts off supply once the battery falls below 20 percent.
The adapter is required and is not included. Volvo directs customers to their local market representative or retailer for pricing and availability.
Part of a Broader Bidirectional Charging Push
The capability is part of bidirectional charging, which allows the car to both take in and supply electricity. In this case the function is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which powers external devices directly from the vehicle. Volvo describes the EX30 as one of the early adopters of the technology in the premium compact segment, and says the same capability is available on the Volvo EX60 fully electric SUV, with more models to follow.
“Through the power of software and over-the-air updates, we can continue to enhance our cars with useful new features long after customers have bought them – including capabilities they may not have expected when they first purchased the car,” said Alwin Bakkenes, head of global software engineering at Volvo Cars.
Where the Features Are Available
Availability differs by feature and by market, and not every EX30 customer receives the full package.
| Feature | Availability | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | Markets across EMEA, APAC, and Latin America using the CCS2 charging standard | Adapter required, sold separately; not available on EX30 models in the US, Canada, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan |
| Plug & Charge | Certain European markets | EX30 cars from model year 2026 onward |
| User experience update | Global, including markets without V2L | Delivered free over the air |
Volvo notes that compatibility can vary according to vehicle configuration and directs customers to local market representatives for exact availability. EX30 customers in markets excluded from V2L still receive the user experience improvements bundled into the update.
Plug & Charge Removes the App Step
With Plug & Charge added, drivers connect the car at compatible public charging stations and charging begins automatically, with no apps, cards, or additional steps required. Volvo has limited the function to Europe for now.
Interface Changes Ship in the Same Release
The update also brings a revised user experience. A customizable contextual bar can surface predictive actions or the functions a driver uses most, and the settings menu has been simplified to reduce complexity. Volvo says ongoing customer input informs these updates, and frames the release as an example of how its cars gain features and improvements through over-the-air updates across the vehicle lifecycle.
