Luxury carmaker conquers South Africa’s toughest challenge – Photos

Volvo has landed a new achievement in South Africa, becoming the first carmaker to send an electric vehicle (EV) to the top of Sani Pass.

Located in the Drakensburg Mountain range on the border between South Africa and Lesotho, Sani Pass is considered one of the nation’s most challenging mountain routes, and no EV has ever made it to the top, until now.

The Swedish carmaker decided to tackle the demanding route to showcase the new EX30 Cross Country, a rugged version of its best-selling electric crossover that was launched in August.

“Volvo Car South Africa is closing Transport Month with a historic milestone in electric mobility: the EX30 Cross Country has become the first fully electric vehicle (BEV) to successfully ascend Sani Pass, one of South Africa’s most iconic and demanding mountain routes,” said the company.

“Stretching through the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, Sani Pass has long separated ordinary vehicles from those built to endure, testing resilience, power, and control. Now, for the first time, an electric vehicle has conquered its challenging slopes, proving that sustainable mobility can thrive in even the most extreme conditions.”

For decades, Sani Pass’s steep gradients have served as a path for Basotho shepherds traversing the mountains to trade livestock and goods, following twisting paths that aren’t for the feint of heart.

The first Volvo to conquer the route did so all the way back in 1969, and the automaker decided to repeat history 56 years later with an all-electric model.

The stated objective was to demonstrate that EVs are just as capable as their combustion engine counterparts, navigating steep gradients, hairpin bends, and rocky terrain.

Starting at the Premier Sani Pass hotel, the EX30 ascended 1,307 metres, following untarred roads to reach the top of the pass, which sits 2,873 metres above sea level.

Adding to the attempt is the installation of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger, which is located just below Sani Pass at 1,566 metres.

Installed for Volvo at Premier Resort Sani Pass by Charge, the outlet allowed the EX30 to make the climb using nothing but solar energy.

“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.

“From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to endurance tests and modern performance trials, Sani Pass has always been a stage for determination and ingenuity.”

“The EX30 Cross Country now joins this line of milestones, demonstrating that electric power can deliver both capability and sustainability, bridging decades of motoring history while paving the way for a cleaner, more adventurous future.”

“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.”

The EX30 Cross Country

Exclusively available in a range-topping Ultra specification, the Cross Country is the flagship of the EX30 series, clocking in at R1,165,000.

It has two electric motors (one over each axle), which gives it all-wheel-drive and an impressive power output of 315kW and 543Nm.

On the roads, it can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in a scorching 3.7 seconds, and reach a limited top speed of 180km/h.

Power is supplied by a 69kWh battery, which provides a range of 427km.

The Cross Country’s biggest selling points are the various off-road modification, starting with an improved ground clearance of 190mm (compared to 177mm).

It also has flared wheel arches, mud flaps, skid plates, a roof rack, and 19-inch alloy rims.

Volvo EX30 Cross Country at Sani Pass