As more countries publish formal recalls for the EX30’s high‑voltage battery issue, the UK remains stuck in an uncomfortable middle ground. Volvo has privately told owners to cap charging at 70% and park outside, yet the GOV.UK recall database is still empty. It’s a strange position: the problem is acknowledged, but not officially recognised.

Why the delay?

The DVSA tends to move slower than regulators in the US or Australia, especially when a manufacturer hasn’t finalised the repair. It’s likely Volvo hasn’t yet provided a complete remedy package — including how batteries will be inspected, what parts will be replaced, and how long repairs will take. Without that, the DVSA may simply be unable to publish anything. There’s also a political backdrop: UK EV confidence is already fragile, and a high‑profile battery recall won’t help.

What this means for owners

Right now, UK drivers are effectively living under recall conditions, but without the clarity that comes with an official notice. Owners have been told to limit charging, but there’s no plan of action from Volvo. No explanation of what will happen next. No guidance on how the batteries will be checked. No timeline for repairs. And no information about what level of risk owners are actually living with. That lack of detail is what’s causing the most frustration.

Impact on resale value

The uncertainty is already showing. Dealers are discounting affected EX30s, and buyers are understandably cautious. EVs were already depreciating faster than petrol and diesel cars; a recall with no official UK acknowledgement only adds to the hesitation. A formal recall would actually help stabilise values — but until the DVSA publishes one, the market will stay nervous.

Impact on consumer rights

Without an official recall, your rights are harder to enforce. A confirmed safety defect strengthens your position under the Consumer Rights Act. A private advisory from Volvo does not. Until the DVSA steps in, everything sits in a grey area where the manufacturer holds most of the cards.

What this means for financed and leased cars

For anyone who’s financed or leased their EX30, the situation is even more complicated. Without an official recall, it’s harder to argue that the car is “not of satisfactory quality” or “not fit for purpose,” even though the 70% charge cap clearly affects day‑to‑day use. Some owners on PCP or HP deals are already asking whether they can return the car early, but lenders typically rely on formal recall status when assessing these cases. Lease companies are in the same position: until the DVSA publishes an official notice, most won’t accept the argument that the car is fundamentally impaired. In other words, people who want to hand the car back are stuck waiting — just like everyone else — with no clear route to rejection and no clarity on when the car will be restored to full functionality.

How long will the wait be?

Realistically, UK owners may be waiting weeks — possibly longer — for a formal recall. Until Volvo finalises the fix and the DVSA signs it off, the 70% charge cap remains in place, and owners are left driving a car that doesn’t operate as advertised.

Have your say

If you’re living with the 70% charge cap, we’d really like to hear how it’s affecting you. A lot of owners are already saying the reduced range makes the EX30 completely unsuitable for their commute, and some have admitted they’re charging to 100% despite the warnings because they simply don’t have a choice. That kind of real‑world experience often tells us far more than any official statement. Have your dealers given you clear guidance? Are you seeing changes in range, charging behaviour, or even trade‑in offers? Share what you’re dealing with — the more voices we hear, the clearer the picture becomes for everyone.

** Image Credit. The image was created by Google Gemini. 

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