Fifty-six years after the first Volvo braved the legendary Sani Pass, history has repeated itself—only this time, it’s electric. The all-new Volvo EX30 Cross Country has become the first fully electric vehicle to conquer one of South Africa’s most formidable mountain routes, powered by nothing but clean energy and quiet confidence.
Sani Pass, a rugged ribbon of gravel winding through the Drakensberg Mountains, has long been a proving ground for endurance and engineering. It’s not a route for the faint-hearted—or the underpowered. Yet the EX30 Cross Country, Volvo’s compact powerhouse, handled its steep gradients and rocky terrain with the kind of calm composure that makes even die-hard off-roaders take notice.
Small but mighty, this 315 kW electric SUV blends Scandinavian design with serious grit. It’s proof that going electric doesn’t mean giving up adventure—it means redefining it.
Adding a spark (literally) to the milestone is South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger, installed by CHARGE at Premier Resort Sani Pass, perched at 1,566 metres. It’s a clean-energy beacon that enabled the EX30’s fully solar-to-solar journey—a powerful reminder that sustainability and exploration can climb the same mountain.
“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” says Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa. “It proves that electric vehicles can tackle even the most challenging terrain—and that adventure can be powered responsibly.”
It’s also a full-circle moment: in 1969, a Volvo first made the same climb, marking a milestone in South African motoring history. Today, that legacy continues—with zero emissions and maximum style.
And the story doesn’t stop here. CHARGE plans to upgrade the Sani Pass charger in 2026 with battery backup for overnight charging, making future expeditions even more seamless.
With the EX30 Cross Country, Volvo isn’t just climbing mountains—it’s shifting perspectives. Because when innovation meets adventure, the view from the top is pure electric.