Not everyone buys their Volvo EX30 on PCP. A huge number of drivers are in lease agreements, and an increasing number get their cars through salary‑sacrifice schemes at work. These arrangements feel different from traditional finance, but when something goes wrong — like being told your EX30 should only be charged to around 70% — the question becomes the same: who is responsible, and what can you do about it?

The first thing to understand is ownership. In a standard lease, the leasing company owns the car outright. You’re simply renting it for a fixed period. In a salary‑sacrifice scheme, your employer leases the car from a leasing provider, and you rent it from your employer through your salary. In both cases, you are not the legal owner — and that actually gives you a layer of protection.

Because the leasing company is the legal owner, they are responsible for supplying a vehicle that is usable, safe, and fit for purpose. Even though you’re not “buying” the car, the Consumer Rights Act still applies to the service they’re providing. They must deliver that service with reasonable care and skill, and the car they supply must meet the basic standards you’d expect. An electric vehicle that can only be charged to 70% of its capacity raises obvious questions about whether those standards are being met. Reduced range, more frequent charging, higher running costs — these aren’t minor quirks. They affect the fundamental purpose of the vehicle.

The Financial Ombudsman Service has been clear on this point too. If you lease a car and it develops a serious issue, your complaint is with the leasing company, not the dealer and not the manufacturer. The Ombudsman expects leasing providers to act fairly, investigate properly, and offer solutions within a reasonable timeframe. They can’t simply tell you to “wait for Volvo” or leave you stuck with a car that doesn’t perform as advertised. If the issue drags on, the Ombudsman can step in and order remedies such as compensation, a replacement vehicle, or even early termination of the lease without penalty.

For salary‑sacrifice drivers, the situation is similar. Your employer isn’t expected to negotiate with Volvo or diagnose battery issues — that responsibility sits with the leasing provider. And because many people rely on their salary‑sacrifice car for commuting, school runs, or work travel, the impact of the 70% charging limit can be even more disruptive.

The reality is that Volvo still hasn’t provided a clear update or long‑term fix for affected EX30 owners. It may be early days, but drivers can’t be expected to wait indefinitely while living with reduced range and increased charging costs. If you’re leasing your EX30 and the 70% limit is affecting your daily use, you’re entitled to push your leasing provider for action.

Links: 

Financial Ombudsman – https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/credit-borrowing-money/car-finance
Consumer Rights – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/2

Why the UK Still Hasn’t Confirmed the EX30 Recall — And What It Means for Owners

 

How to Contact Your Leasing Company — and What to Include in Your Letter

If your EX30 is affected, contacting your leasing company is the right first step. They are the legal owner of the vehicle, and they are responsible for ensuring it remains fit for purpose throughout your agreement. A clear, well‑structured message helps them escalate your case quickly.

When writing your letter or email, include:

  • Your full name, address, and lease reference number So they can locate your agreement immediately.
  • Vehicle details Registration number, model, and delivery date.
  • A clear description of the issue Explain that you’ve been advised to limit charging to around 70% and outline how this affects your daily use — reduced range, increased charging frequency, higher costs, or inconvenience.
  • A timeline of events When you first became aware of the issue, any communication from Volvo or the dealer, and any steps you’ve already taken.
  • The impact on your ability to use the car Leasing companies respond faster when they understand the practical consequences — commuting, work travel, school runs, or charging costs.
  • A request for action Ask them to investigate, liaise with Volvo, and confirm what remedies they can offer — such as a replacement vehicle, temporary alternative transport, or early termination if the issue persists.
  • A polite reminder of their responsibility You don’t need legal jargon. Simply note that as the leasing provider and legal owner, they are responsible for supplying a vehicle that is usable and fit for purpose.

Let’s hear from you

If your EX30 is leased or part of a salary‑sacrifice scheme and you’ve had to deal with the 70% charging restriction, it would be genuinely helpful to hear how your leasing company has handled it. Some providers seem proactive, others less so, and real‑world experiences from drivers make it much easier to understand what support people are actually getting. Whether you’ve had quick resolutions, long delays, mixed messages, or no response at all, your story could help other owners figure out their next steps.