For many Australians, the switch to EVs has been all about reliability, savings, and doing a little good for the planet. But this week, Volvo EX30 drivers were hit with an unexpected warning — don’t fully charge your car. A new safety issue has prompted an urgent recall, affecting thousands of EVs across the country.
A Fire Risk Hiding Beneath the Hood
Nearly 3,000 Australian Volvo EX30 owners have been told to keep their car batteries charged below 70% after a serious fire risk was discovered in the vehicle’s high-voltage battery. The Department of Infrastructure and Transport issued the national recall, confirming a manufacturing fault in certain cell modules that could cause overheating at high charge levels.
“Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels,” the notice warned, reports The Guardian. While Volvo reassured owners that they can continue driving their cars safely, the company has advised against fully charging the battery until a permanent fix is ready. Drivers can manually set their charge limit through their vehicle’s touchscreen menus, a quick adjustment that could help prevent overheating.
A Recall That’s Gone Global
The issue isn’t limited to Australia. Volvo began alerting customers in several countries, including South Africa and the United Kingdom, after reports surfaced of potential overheating during charging. Although the company said the number of incidents was extremely small — just 0.02% of identified vehicles — it’s treating the matter seriously.
In a statement, Volvo said, “Safety is a top priority for Volvo Cars. While the number of reported incidents is very small, we have no reports of related injuries, and we are treating it very seriously.” Once the company develops a solution, all affected customers will be contacted and invited to schedule free repair work at their nearest Volvo service centre.
The Impact on One of Australia’s Top EVs
The Volvo EX30, a compact SUV, has been one of the country’s best-selling electric vehicles, ranking among the top 15 EV models in 2025. With its sleek Scandinavian design, strong range, and affordable price tag, it helped bring more Australians into the EV market. But this recall comes at a sensitive time. Electric vehicle adoption is finally accelerating in Australia, yet safety concerns — especially around batteries — can easily rattle consumer confidence.
Incidents like this serve as reminders that even advanced technology isn’t immune to manufacturing flaws. Still, experts say Volvo’s quick response may actually reinforce its reputation for safety. Unlike some manufacturers that delay addressing issues, Volvo acted early, even before any major incidents occurred.
What Should Owners Do Now?
For now, Volvo EX30 owners don’t need to stop driving their cars. The main instruction is simple: keep the battery below 70% until further notice. Drivers can easily set this limit through the car’s infotainment system, ensuring the battery doesn’t reach risky charge levels.
Volvo has promised to reach out directly once the fix is ready. In the meantime, drivers can check the official vehicle recall website for updates or contact their nearest Volvo dealership for advice. The recall may cause some inconvenience, but for most owners, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. After all, when it comes to safety, Volvo has built a reputation few brands can match. And in the growing world of electric vehicles, transparency like this might just be what keeps customers loyal in the long run.
