Abarth 500e vs Volvo EX30
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Abarth 500e starts from $60,500 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX30 opens at $59,990. That makes the Volvo EX30 the more affordable entry point by $510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $66,550 and $65,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The Volvo EX30 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volvo EX30 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Abarth 500e and 6 in the Volvo EX30.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with JBL audio that you will not find on the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Abarth 500e gets leather & alcantara upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e uses a Electric producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 113kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX30 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Abarth 500e) vs 69kWh (Volvo EX30), giving WLTP ranges of 253km and 462km. DC fast charging peaks at 85kW (Abarth 500e) vs 153kW (Volvo EX30).
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 560mm shorter than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX30 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Volvo EX30 a 133L advantage. The Volvo EX30 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.4m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX30). The Volvo EX30 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX30 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX30 takes 11 of 11 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX30 has a clear edge. The Volvo EX30 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Abarth 500e and Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo EX30 has the most range at 462km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo EX30 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 153kW.
Which is safest?
The Volvo EX30 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX30 has the largest boot at 318L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX30 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volvo EX30 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX30 makes the most power at 200kW. The Volvo EX30 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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