He’s truly electrifying
Blasting a technical cadenza and revving the engine—Josh Kua remembers his first driving experience like a harmony, pleasing and nostalgic. “My first memory of driving was in a hand-me-down sedan with no frills—just me, the road, and a lot of nerves.” Now, fast-forward to 2024, Kua has ditched the run-of-the-mill vehicle to opt for a new timeless classic, the Volvo EX30. “Driving the EX30 feels like stepping into the future. Yet, there’s a similarity in the simplicity of it all. Even with all its advanced technology, the EX30’s design keeps the focus on the joy of driving.”
Here’s how the Volvo EX30 changed Josh Kua’s perception of electric vehicles:
As a violinist, Kua is constantly holding a furious bow and a resolute expression when he plays—never shying away from inspiring and innovating. Just like his passion for the violin, the virtuoso is constantly finding things and passion that empower him to do better such as being sustainable. For the artist, being more sustainable means making the switch to electric—an effortless upgrade that makes him feel honourable. “Every time I drive it, I feel a sense of pride—not just because it’s a beautiful vehicle, but because it represents a choice to prioritise innovation and responsibility.” The EX30 was designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date—less than 30 tonnes over 200,000 km of driving. So, turning the car into a music sanctuary for Kua has been guilt-free since the EX30 isn’t running a polluting, idle engine. “Transitioning to an electric vehicle is one of the most impactful ways we can contribute to a healthier planet. Beyond reducing emissions, it represents a shift toward a more conscious way of living,” he said.
Fitting in his plain sailing lifestyle, the EX30 is a stepping stone for the violinist to do good for the planet. “As for sustainability, I’m intentional about my choices, whether it’s minimising waste or opting for brands that align with those values.” So, when the EX30 came with considerate use of recycled and renewable materials inside and out, Kua knew it was the right car for him. Bidding ode to the clean, minimalist Scandinavian design, the electric car boasts a sporty Indigo interior featuring upcycled denim textiles, upholstery made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and Nordico with recycled PET content, while plastic materials are made with 30 per cent recycled content. “The minimalist yet functional interior design is stunning—it feels so modern but never overwhelming.” Peppered with quiet luxury, the EX30 looks and feels sophisticated without being too ornate—a fitting match for Kua. “Driving the EX30 gives me a daily reminder to live with care and consideration.”
But, what Kua truly loves about the car is its seamless driving experience. “The driving experience is unmatched—smooth, silent, and almost meditative,” he muses. The EX30 is an urban-friendly sized car that has a city-focused design made for people to commute to multiple locations in one day. For Kua, the electric car is a game changer for his daily routine. “Whether I’m driving down a scenic coastal road or the bustling city streets, the car adapts beautifully. That said, there’s something special about taking it out for a weekend getaway. The calm, quiet cabin and responsive handling make those long drives feel almost therapeutic,” he professed.
Meant to be driven for any journey, the EX30 is big on technology to make your driving even more superior. Featuring the fastest acceleration of any Volvo car to date, the EX30 comes equipped with the latest technology that powers a new automatic parking feature, a contextual user interface with Google Built-in, upgraded semi-autonomous Pilot Assist functionality, and 360° environmental awareness from its multiple cameras, sensors and radars.“The EX30 combines advanced safety features with a sleek design that makes every trip feel luxurious,” said Kua. He adds: “In the city, the compact size and sharp handling make navigating tight spaces effortless. On longer drives, the comfort and tech integrations—like its adaptive cruise control—make every journey stress-free and enjoyable.”
And being stress-free is important to Kua when driving. “Safety is a mindset for me. On the road, I always prioritise awareness and respect for others—just as Volvo’s design does.” Since Kua is always on the move—he’s constantly in the car. Whether it’s heading towards his studio to conceptualise music or travelling to escape the bustling city, driving the EX30 gives him peace of mind. “The safety features—like collision avoidance and 360-degree cameras—feel like having an extra set of eyes on the road,” he explained. With this new EX30, upgrades have been made to shelter drivers and passengers even more. Now Upgraded Pilot Assist helps adjust the optimum distance from large vehicles on the highway while automatic braking and steering keep you from crashing. The car even has an innovative door-opening alert that detects bikes or other drivers coming from behind—warning you from opening the door. “It’s more than just a car; it’s a way of living responsibly without compromising on style or comfort.”
Another standout feature for Kua is the Harman Kardon Premium soundbar, integrated above the dashboard instead of individual door speakers. Enhancing his music session, this car gives Kua a place to be creative and innovative without heading to the studio. The violinist can just coop himself up in the car and carry on with his life.
Thus, the reasoning behind why Volvo is Kua’s number one choice for electric vehicles. “Volvo has this incredible legacy of merging innovation with trustworthiness. For me, they strike the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology and timeless design. The Volvo EX30, in particular, stands out because it isn’t just about being electric—it’s about creating a seamless driving experience that’s thoughtful, intuitive, and responsibly crafted,” he said.
The EX30 may be Volvo’s smallest EV but it’s truly a powerful, electrifying vehicle—a captivating new power player in electric cars.Incredibly discreet, right into your life and your personal style seamlessly, so there’s no doubt you shouldn’t pick it as your new accessory. “Volvo’s commitment to safety and sustainability makes it a no-brainer for anyone considering an EV.”
The EX30 is priced from RM188,888 for the EX30 Plus, RM208,888 for the EX30 Ultra, and RM228,888 for the EX30 Ultra Twin Performance. Sabah and Sarawak customers get the three variants at RM188,648, RM208,648 and RM228,648 respectively. Colour options range from Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, Crystal White, Onyx Black, and Moss Yellow, which beautifully take inspiration from the lichen growing along the Swedish West Coast.
Shop online now at www.volvocars.com/my/cars/ex30-electric or visit their nearest Volvo showroom to learn more.
