Fifty-six years after the primary Volvo made the climb, the all-electric EX30 Cross Nation has confirmed that EVs can tackle South Africa’s hardest terrain—powered by the nation’s highest solar-powered charger.
First EV to Conquer Sani Cross
The Volvo EX30 Cross Nation has efficiently accomplished South Africa’s most iconic and difficult mountain route, showcasing the aptitude and resilience of electrical mobility.
Highest Photo voltaic-Powered EV Charger
Put in by CHARGE at Premier Resort Sani Cross, the Volvo charger sits beneath Sani Cross at 1,566 metres, enabling a completely solar-to-solar journey and highlighting sustainable exploration in motion.
Journey Meets Innovation
Compact but highly effective, the EX30 Cross Nation reveals that EVs can thrive in rugged terrain with out compromising efficiency, versatility, or sustainability.
Volvo Automotive South Africa (VCSA) has closed Transport Month with a landmark achievement in electrical mobility: the EX30 Cross Nation has grow to be the primary totally electrical automobile (BEV) to efficiently ascend Sani Cross, one of many nation’s most difficult and iconic mountain routes. Stretching by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, Sani Cross has lengthy served as a proving floor for autos designed to endure. Now, for the primary time, an EV has conquered its steep, rocky slopes—demonstrating that sustainable mobility can thrive even in excessive circumstances.
Sani Cross isn’t just a highway; it’s a path steeped in historical past. Lengthy earlier than autos ever tried its steep gradients, Basotho shepherds traversed the mountains to commerce livestock and items, navigating treacherous, slender trails with braveness and perseverance. In 1969, the primary Volvo reached the highest, cementing the model’s repute for engineering excellence and sturdiness. Fifty-six years later, the EX30 Cross Nation has retraced that path—this time powered totally by electrical energy—showcasing simply how far automotive innovation has superior.
Small however formidable, the EX30 Cross Nation’s compact dimensions belie its power. Merging rugged design with environmentally acutely aware engineering, this 315 kW electrical SUV was constructed for each metropolis streets and demanding mountain passes, proving that electrical energy doesn’t imply compromising journey. Throughout its ascent, the EX30 Cross Nation dealt with steep gradients, sharp bends, and tough terrain with precision and composure—defying the notion that such challenges are reserved for combustion engines.
Including to the significance of this achievement is the set up of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger, positioned at 1,566 metres close to Sani Cross. Put in by CHARGE at Premier Resort Sani Cross for Volvo, the unit enabled a whole solar-to-solar expedition for the EX30 Cross Nation. This milestone underscores how sustainable journey can combine seamlessly with exploration, enabling clean-energy journeys in even essentially the most distant areas.
“The ascent of Sani Cross by the EX30 Cross Nation is a defining second for electrical mobility in South Africa,” mentioned Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “It demonstrates that electrical autos can deal with essentially the most difficult terrain, and that clear, sustainable power can energy journey in even essentially the most distant and rugged areas.”
Locke added, “From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-Twentieth century to endurance checks and fashionable efficiency trials, Sani Cross has at all times been a stage for dedication and ingenuity. The EX30 Cross Nation now joins this line of milestones, demonstrating that electrical energy can ship each functionality and sustainability, bridging many years of motoring historical past whereas paving the best way for a cleaner, extra adventurous future.”
“CHARGE is proud to have partnered with Volvo and the Premier Inns & Resorts for this momentous event, driving sustainability as we migrate to NEVs. The solar-powered charger at Premier Resort Sani Cross might be upgraded in Q2 of 2026 with battery backup capabilities to permit for in a single day charging, and due to this fact enhancing its capabilities even additional,” commented Joubert Roux, Founding father of CHARGE.
Volvo’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and journey continues to redefine what’s doable for electrical mobility. The EX30 Cross Nation’s success on Sani Cross proves that proudly owning an EV doesn’t restrict exploration—it reimagines it.
Tags: Volvo, EX30 Cross Nation, Sani Cross, EV, Electrical Mobility, South Africa
