Today, I got in the car for the first time in two days. I asked to Google Assistant about climate control and weather forecast so on, but she answered "Something is wrong" in English, or after standing for ~5 seconds, she said "The network is unstable. Please try later." in Japanese. No matter what I heard, she was anyway in a bad mood.

All of the other apps such as Google Map, Spotify and TuneIn etc. were normally working. Siri on Apple Carplay was also normal. I deleted the cache and restarted by steering buttons, but the symptoms did not change.

As I won't get in the car today, I hope her mood will be better tomorrow morning, after going into Deep Sleep Mode...

Have you ever had similar symptoms? At that time, what did you do to fix it?

I got the information about Gemini deployment in Japan from Volvo dealer.

According to the sales rep, the cars with a ratio of 1 to 10~15 of all the Google built-in model (not only EX30, but also other models) were updated to Gemini. He said that there is no regularity in the model year, car model etc., and it is random. He has no idea what it will be updated to Gemini based on.

Mine is not yet though.

https://preview.redd.it/ehelesc01kgh1.jpg?width=324&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=824d848d38bd976b9fdc230ed02e045c9896d2ad

My car is EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range MY2026.

Anybody start the climate remotely on Apple Watch without Volvo Cars app?

As you know, "Starting climate" function is included with Volvo Cars app installed on Apple Watch. But in my case, as I don't use remote "Door lock" and "Door unlock", and I don't like to lead to especially press the "Door unlock" by mistake, I don't install the app on Apple Watch.

So, I have created "Starting climate" on Apple Watch with iPhone shortcut. In the recent crazy hot days, I always use "Staring climate" on Apple Watch just with clicking side button and touching the icon at the control center.

*I also created "Lights flashing" for finding out my car at huge parking especially in the night, but I hardly used it. Because the app shows me the parking place.

https://preview.redd.it/wtjvvhn94jfh1.jpg?width=1205&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33bc55e5cd01daab994ba94c599afa6f911c112f

https://preview.redd.it/cvu33in94jfh1.jpg?width=1205&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fbd327ec639026740eb07d9a286ea0b08ddada56

I went for a day trip on July 23. When I looked at the trip data of the app, the energy consumption data were different (the mileage was roughly the same) between "Trip log" and "TA record of the Statistics".

why was it happened? Which one was correct?

Recently, when I don't get in the car for a few days, audio volume may sometimes return to the default, but it doesn’t return every time when turn on & off.

This problem has been solved or not? How about your EX30?

Aftermarket windshield sunshade (inside)

Aftermarket windshield sunshade (outside)

Are you looking for a low price and perfect fit aftermarket windshield sunshade?

I have both of genuine and aftermarket windshield sunshade. Though I had used genuine, but I recently purchased perfect fit aftermarket sunshade based on actual measurements of genuine.

I will introduce measurements of genuine and this aftermarket sunshade. Maybe some of people already have it or the another perfect fit aftermarket sunshade.

Why purchased aftermarket sunshade:

• Genuine is thick, firm and great light and heat blocking.
• But it is heavy, bulky and troublesome to put up and fold back up.
• Especially it’s a bit too tedious to put up and fold back up for short-time parking stops at restaurant or grocery run so on. 
• As folded genuine is large, the storage space is limited to the rear trunk or rear seat.

Real measurements of genuine sunshade:

• Specs: Max.W1330 (Min.W1160) x Max.H820 (Min.H800)mm *Please forgive the slight differences.
• Price: 20,900 JPY (list price of Volvo genuine accessories catalog in Japan)

Purchased aftermarket sunshade:

• Product name: Meltec Magical Sunshade PMS-L
• Specs: W1400 x H800mm
• Price: 1,200 JPY
• Short review: I purchased it at Amazon. A perfect fit that no one probably has a complain. In spite of light and thin, perfectly sun light blocking, and heat blocking slightly weaker than genuine, but I feel it suppress the temperature rise on the dashboard and in the room. Both of setting up and folding back up is so easy in 5 or 10 seconds, and quick storage in side pocket.
• The sale of this in other countries is not sure.

My setup: how to use genuine and aftermarket depending on the situation

• Genuine: long-time parking stops for a few days or more (I don't have a covered house garage)
• Aftermarket: short-time parking stops less than several hours or until next day (shopping, restaurant and accommodation etc.)
• Aftermarket with parking comfort: short-time parking stops less than ~1 hours
• In any case, I don't leave anyone or pets in the car.
• Of course, remote climate always on before driving in hot days

Folded aftermarket windshield sunshade (front door pocket)

Folded genuine windshield sunshade (rear trunk)

(Note: Front side window sunshade in photo is another aftermarket product. I put up it when the afternoon sun hits from the side. As it isn't perfect fit. I don't introduce.)

Hi everyone! This is my first post here from Japan. I currently have one of EV special charging membership in Japan that allows me to use public DC Fast Chargers for 39 JPY/kWh (approx. $0.24 USD/kWh). As I don't have a home charger. (living at apartment), I completely rely on Public DC Fast Charger.

My car is Volvo EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range (MY2026). The average efficiency for previous 6 months since delivery is 16.8 kWh/100km (5.95 km/kWh or 3.7 miles/kWh) .

My Real-World Public DC Charging Cost($0.24/kWh) in Japan vs Your Local Real-World Costs (Home & DC)

I wanted to see how my charging cost compares to the rest of the world. First, here is my raw data based on Premium Gas (High-Octane) in Japan at ¥186/L ($4.40/gal): (I asked AI to calculate)

• My Running EV Cost per km: ¥6.55 / km ($0.041 / km)
• My Running EV Cost per 100km: ¥655 / 100km ($4.10 / 100km)
• My Gas Mileage Equivalent: 28.4 km/L (3.52 L/100km) or 66.8 MPG
• My Cost per Premium Gas Gallon Equivalent (GME): $1.65 / gal (vs. US Avg $4.40/gal)

The results above means my public DC charging cost equals driving a hybrid car like a Toyota Prius* that gets 28.4 km/L(66.8 MPG) .

*(Just to clarify, the Prius normally runs on regular gas, but I used the local Premium Gas price ($4.40/gal) as a unified benchmark to calculate the exact cost ratio for this comparison.)

• In fact, because Regular Gas is kept relatively cheap in Japan due to government subsidies, the cost advantage of EVs is heavily diminished for the average drivers. From a purely financial standpoint, I think the incentive for Japanese drivers to switch from ultra-efficient regular-gas hybrids to EVs is virtually non- or very low-existent.

AI-Estimated Global Comparison (July 2026)

I am not sure the charging and gasoline costs in other countries, so I asked AI to estimate the current real-world energy costs in your regions. Let's look at how much it costs for an EV with my efficiency (16.8 kWh/100km) to drive 100km under different scenarios, compared to local Premium Gas costs:

(The following table and calculation formula was generated by AI. Since I cannot personally verify every single global rate, some numbers might not perfectly match your specific area. Please use the formula below to calculate with your own real-world numbers.)

Region	Home Charging Cost (per 100km)	Public DC Fast Charging (per 100km)	Local Premium Gas Cost (per 100km / Avg ICE)
🇯🇵 Japan (Me)	❌ No Home Charge	🔋 $4.10 (My Special Rate)	⛽ $11.72 (Avg 6.5L/100km)
🇯🇵 Japan (Avg Rate)	🏡 $3.15 ($0.19/kWh)	⚡ $10.50 (in case of 50kW charger)	⛽ $11.72 (Avg 6.5L/100km)
🇺🇸 North America (Avg Rate)	🏡 $2.86 ($0.17/kWh)	⚡ $8.40 ($0.50/kWh)	⛽ $8.45 (Avg 25 MPG / $4.40/gal)
🇪🇺 Europe (EU Avg)	🏡 $4.70 (€0.28/kWh)	⚡ $12.60 (€0.75/kWh)	⛽ $14.30 (Avg 6.5L/100km / €2.00/L)
🌏 Asia (Avg Excl. Japan)	🏡 $2.52 ($0.15/kWh)	⚡ $6.72 ($0.40/kWh)	⛽ $11.35 (Avg 6.5L/100km)

(Note: Calculated at $1 USD = 160 JPY, and using US Gallons).

How to calculate your own Real-World Costs (Formula)

(Note: The boxes below are NOT automatic tools. Please USE these formulas, REPLACE the text in brackets [ ] with your own numbers, and CALCULATE by your calculator or computer to get your 100km cost.)

1. Your EV Cost per 100km: [Your Electricity Rate per kWh] × [Your EV's Energy Consumption per 100km (in kWh)] (If your EV uses km/kWh: ([Your Electricity Rate] / [Your km/kWh]) × 100)
2. Your Gas Cost per 100km (Choose your unit):
   • If you use L/100km (🇪🇺/🇨🇦): [Your Local Gas Price per Liter] × [Your Car's L/100km]
   • If you use km/L (🇯🇵/🌍): ([Your Local Gas Price per Liter] / [Your Car's km/L]) × 100
   • If you use MPG (🇺🇸/🇬🇧): ([Your Gas Price per Gallon] / [Your Car's MPG]) × 62.1

My Thoughts and My Question to You

My thought is that especially in Japan, unless we have a special rate like mine, public DC charging is so expensive ($10.50 per 100km) that it barely beats the ultra efficient hybrid cars like Toyota Prius, Nissan e-Power etc, which is the big reason of why EVs struggle to capture the market here in Japan. In addition, I think we have other inhibiting factors in this real-world as follows:

1.  The No-Home Charging Struggle: Most people living in apartments/condos without home charging are forced onto the expensive public charging.

2.  The Charging-Time Penalty: Spending 30-40 minutes at a charger makes no sense when a hybrid can refuel in 3 minutes and drive ~1,000km.

3.  Local Charging Deserts: While the big city like Tokyo where I live has lots of chargers (In my case, there is over 10 public DC fast charger (50-150 kW) in 3-15 minutes driving around my house) , once you drive into local areas, fast chargers become incredibly scarce, causing severe range anxiety.

I think that unless there is any other attraction or motivation for EV, when a EV costs the same (in case of special charging rate like me) or higher (in case of standard charging rate) to run as/than a hybrid, and requires you to waste time searching for rare chargers in local areas, the average Japanese driver sees no rational reason to switch.

How are the electricity and gasoline prices affecting EV adoption in your country? and what of any others are affecting it? What do you think any other attraction or motivation for EV?

Lastly: Why I switched to EV and chose EX30

1. The previous car Volvo V60 PHEV(MY2021, premium gas and AC charging car) lifetime fuel efficiency was 11.5 km/L(~27.0MPG). (As I couldn't stand 3-4 hours charging, I rarely used public AC charging)
2. The feeling at pure motor driving mode of V60 PHEV was incredible and unforgettable.
3. Based on my research, the abundance of public DC fast chargers around my home reassured me that I’d be fine even without a home charger.
4. I found out that the charging membership I joined for V60 PHEV offers a special low-cost fast charging plan.
5. I was interested in SDV (Software Defined Vehicle), Google AAOS, digital key and remote control (on iPhone, Apple Watch) etc. 
6. My family wanted a right-sized car, especially since we rarely have passengers in the back seat.

I posted "The trip record of power consumption: 3.6kWh, 5.1kWh/100 km" before.

At this post from Japan, I will share my real-world cost conversion into ICE fuel consumption of my EX30 since 2025/12/20 (delivery date).

Summary:

• According to Volvo Cars app, the average energy consumption of my EX30 is 16.8 kWh/100 km for the past six months.
• The result of conversion is 28.2 km/L (66.3 MPG).
• It means that my energy cost has been less than halved, because the average fuel consumption of my previous car V60 PHEV (high octane gasoline and AC charging car) year was 11.5 km/L.
• In my real-world, the conversion result is worse than 53.0 km/L of answer from Google AI (see below) in fact.

Background:

• I calculated based on charging fee I have been paying and the average unit price (Yen / Liter) of high-octane gasoline I had payed here in Japan.
• I don't have a charger at home (living at apartment), I completely rely on public DC Fast Charger. (V60 PHEV relied on public AC Charger, but I hardly use it.)
• Therefore, charging fee is higher than normal home charging. (This is a reason why consumption of not only current EX30 but also previous V60 PHEV is worse as well.)

Assumptions:

• EV Efficiency: 5.95 km/kWh (derived from 100 km/16.8 kWh)
• Charging Rate: 39 Yen/kWh
• High-Octane Gasoline Price: 185 Yen/L

The Cost-Equivalent Formula:

• Equivalent km/L = EV Efficiency (5.95 km/kWh) ÷ Charging Rate (39 Yen/kWh) x Gas Price (185 Yen/L)

Result: 28.2 km/L

What this means in reality:

• Driving my EX30 costs the approximately exact same amount of cost per kilometer as driving an efficient hybrid vehicle (like Toyota Prius) in Japan.

Reference:

• I asked Google AI again to convert 16.8kWh/100 km into gas mileage, and also asked about the conversion premise.
• Answer from Google AI is following.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Important Disclaimer & Context on this Conversion

To ensure we are all on the same page, please note that this conversion focuses strictly on "energy efficiency equivalence" rather than "actual financial running costs".

We all know that electricity and gasoline prices vary drastically worldwide, so the cost-efficiency will differ depending on your local utility rates and pump prices. Also, technically speaking, official metrics like the US EPA’s MPGe are derived purely from thermal energy equivalency (1 gallon of gas = 33.7 kWh of raw energy).

However, if we look at pure physics, an internal combustion engine (ICE) wastes about 70–80% of that energy as heat, whereas an EV converts 80–90% of electricity into motion. Therefore, in this breakdown, I have combined both official standards (like MPGe) and real-world efficiency adjustments to give you a clearer picture of how this 16.8 kWh/100 km efficiency truly feels compared to traditional ICE vehicles.

Here is the global breakdown for 16.8 kWh/100 km:

• United States: 125 MPGe
  • Unit: Miles per Gallon equivalent (EPA standard: 1 gal of gas = 33.7 kWh).
• Europe: 1.89 L/100km
  • Unit: Liters per 100 kilometers (Based on 1 L of gas = 8.9 kWh).
• United Kingdom: 150 MPG
  • Unit: Miles per Gallon (Based on the UK Imperial gallon).
• Asia (Japan, Korea, India, etc.): 53.0 km/L
  • Unit: Kilometers per Liter.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am interested in what would be the result of conversion to fuel consumption in real-world in other countries. Could anyone try to convert and share?

https://preview.redd.it/nbl9o3s7vzch1.jpg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef8f1cbeffa694cbcbe91ab2bebf292b5571b0e7

Hi! This is my first post to this community.

My car is 2026 VOLVO EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range.

Now, I will share the energy consumption data when driving with an altitude difference of about 1200m and a round-trip distance of 311km (including 180km, average speed of 80-90km/h on expressway). This number was the best one for me for the first time.

• Outbound (Uphill) : Distance 153 km, Consumption 26.3 kWh, 17.2 kWh/100 km
• Return (Downhill) : Distance 158 km, Consumption 10.7 kWh, 6.8 kWh/100 km
• Round trip: Distance 311 km, Consumption 37 kWh, 11.9 kWh/100 km

During this drive, the trip data of 70 km distance (including about 50 km on expressway) with the altitude difference of about 1100m was a little surprising. (Although it's natural because of downhill...)

• Distance 70 km, Consumption 3.6 kWh, 5.1kWh/100 km

According to Google AI, it is approximately equivalent to the following when converted to the fuel consumption of a gasoline car.

5.1kWh/100 km (Best record trip 70 km downhill)

• 120 MPGe
• 0.57 L/100km
• 175 km/L

11.9 kWh/100 km (Round trip 311 km)

• 75 MPGe
• 1.34 L/100km
• 75 km/L

Weather and Settings are as follows,

• Outside temperature: 20-32℃, Sunny day
• A/C: Auto 25℃ and Eco mode: Off
• Range Mode (=Eco drive mode): Off
• One pedal drive: On (High regenerative brake mode)
• Pilot Assist (=Steering assist and ACC): On (when driving on expressway)
• Tire pressure: 270-285 kPa (during this drive)

I know the drive method and environment are different, but what is the best energy consumption of your cars on round trip of uphill and downhill?

Hi! This is my first post to this community here from Japan.

My car is 2026 EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range.

Now, I will share the energy consumption data when driving with an altitude difference of about 1200m and a round-trip distance of 311km (including 180km, average speed of 80-90km/h on expressway). This number was the best one for me for the first time.

• Outbound (Uphill) : Distance 153 km, Consumption 26.3 kWh, 17.2 kWh/100 km
• Return (Downhill) : Distance 158 km, Consumption 10.7 kWh, 6.8 kWh/100 km
• Round trip: Distance 311 km Consumption, 37 kWh, 11.9 kWh/100 km

During this drive, the trip data of 70 km distance (including about 50 km on expressway) with the altitude difference of about 1100m was a little surprising. (Although it's natural because of downhill...)

• Distance 70 km, Consumption 3.6 kWh, 5.1kWh/100 km

According to Google AI, it is approximately equivalent to the following when converted to the fuel consumption of a gasoline car.

5.1kWh/100 km (Best record trip 70 km downhill)

• 120 MPGe
• 0.57 L/100km
• 175 km/L

11.9 kWh/100 km (Round trip 311 km)

• 75 MPGe
• 1.34 L/100km
• 75 km/L

Weather and Settings are as follows,

• Outside temperature: 20-32℃, Sunny day
• A/C: Auto 25℃ and Eco mode: Off
• Range Mode: Off
• One pedal drive: On (High)
• Pilot Assist: On (when driving on expressway)
• Tire pressure: 270-285 kPa (during this drive)

I know the drive method and environment are different, but what is the best energy consumption of your cars?

https://preview.redd.it/d5j1uwynzrch1.jpg?width=324&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d8d322f6d969b61875962ee81e2f14aa54d4c01

Anybody of iPhone and Apple Watch users are using "Starting climate" function without Volvo Cars app on Apple Watch?

As you know, "Starting climate" function is included with Volvo Cars app installed on Apple Watch. But in my case, as I don't use remote door lock/unlock, and I don't like to lead to especially press “Door unlock” button by mistake, I have created the icons only of "Starting climate" and "Lights flashing" for Apple Watch with iPhone shortcut app.

As a result, I am loving the quick and easy access just to press “side button” and tap these icons at ”control center” to execute on Apple Watch.

https://preview.redd.it/upclljld3lch1.jpg?width=2388&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=884c70cd731778d7e026e549e0d9ab94da66d802

It's sweltering!! The temperature here where I am is exceeding 30℃, and some of the other areas in Japan exceeding 38 ℃…

A genuine UV/IR cut film has been installed on the panoramic roof, but during the day, especially when the sun is shining directly above, it is dazzling and may feel a little hot. While I have been looking for a cheap and simple sunshade only for covering the front seats, I bought a sunshade originally for the rear window (the price was about 5.5 USD).

It feels pretty good and achieving the purpose as long as I compromise on the look. It is easy to install because I can just insert it from the inside into the gap of the sunroof without using the suction cup that comes with the product. When summer is over, just rolling it up.

• Product size: approximately 100 x 50 cm
• Shape: Oblong with a soft perimeter wire

If you are interested in it, please search at the shopping site like Amazon.

For those who are thinking about something to counter the extreme heat, as your reference.

https://preview.redd.it/j4q6p3ga7ech1.jpg?width=1205&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e64d594b3325f182503b0109b00c83a59dbc31fb

Everyone, do you have any symptoms like this?

Even though it is in charging, "Unplugged" is displayed on the charging screen of Volvo Cars up. Is this normal or a software bug?

https://preview.redd.it/yaxglq7h7ech1.jpg?width=1205&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=569fff5b759291a1fd76b6bbeff97d9f21c4a246

Hi! This is my first post here from Japan.

My car is 2026 EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range.

Now, I will share the energy consumption data when driving with an altitude difference of about 1200m and a round-trip distance of 311km (including 180km, average speed of 80-90km/h on expressway). This number was the best one for me for the first time.

• Outbound (Uphill) : Distance 153 km, Consumption 26.3 kWh, 17.2 kWh/100 km
• Return (Downhill) : Distance 158 km, Consumption 10.7 kWh, 6.8 kWh/100 km
• Round trip: Distance 311 km Consumption, 37 kWh, 11.9 kWh/100 km

During this drive, the trip data of 70 km distance (including about 50 km on expressway) , the altitude difference of about 1100m was a little surprising. (Although it's natural because of downhill...)

• Distance 70 km, Consumption 3.6 kWh, 5.1kWh/100 km

Weather and Settings are as follows.

• Outside temperature: 20-32℃, Sunny day
• A/C: Auto 25℃ and Eco mode: Off
• Range Mode: Off
• One pedal drive: On (High)
• Pilot Assist: On (when driving on expressway)
• Tire pressure: 270-285 kPa (during this drive)

I know drive method and environment are different, but what is the best energy consumption of your cars?

https://preview.redd.it/099a5rs6bech1.jpg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1acee526b13f922796cf460bb4d60438b7ef422f

https://preview.redd.it/do9qlrs6bech1.jpg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=427c877862aa92524ea4a3f002a0290425d1afe1