Volvo's EX30 Cross Country breaks records: first EV to tackle the treacherous Sani Pass

Volvo has become the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to drive up the historic Sani Pass into Lesotho in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Closing South African Transport Month, the EX30 Cross Country ticked a box in the record books, proving that sustainable mobility can also thrive in some of the harshest conditions 56 years after the first Volvo climbed the pass in 1969.

Exploration and innovation 

“The ascent of Sani Pass by the EX30 Cross Country is a defining moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” said Grant Locke, managing director of VCSA.

“It demonstrates that electric vehicles can tackle the most challenging terrain, and that clean, sustainable energy can power adventure in even the most remote and rugged locations.”

Locke added that the historic journey also marks a moment to reflect on the evolution of exploration and innovation.

“From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to endurance tests and modern performance trials, Sani Pass has always been a stage for determination and ingenuity.

"The EX30 Cross Country now joins this line of milestones, demonstrating that electric power can deliver both capability and sustainability, bridging decades of motoring history while paving the way for a cleaner, more adventurous future.”

During the ascent, the EX30 Cross Country navigated steep gradients, hairpin bends, and rocky terrain with precision and composure, demonstrating that EVs can confidently tackle landscapes once considered exclusive to combustion engines.

Raised ride height and power

The EX30 Cross Country is based on the road-going EX30 that gets an adventure pack, allowing it to do things like drive up Sani Pass.

Significantly, it has a raised ride height as a result of upgraded suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels, making it 13mm higher at 190mm than its road-going sibling.

Visually, it features a darker-toned front shield and boot lid, pronounced skid plates and wider wheel arch extensions, and the front fascia features artwork inspired by Sweden’s Kebnekaise mountain range. 

There’s an optional Cross Country Experience package that includes mudflaps, roof racks and all-terrain tyres at R20 000 - R30 000 depending on which options you want.

Power is provided by front and back one-speed motors delivering 315kW and 543Nm while the 69kWh battery delivers a claimed range of 427 kilometres and can be charged from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes using a fast charger.

Highest charger

On the subject of charging, the drive up Sani Pass coincided with the installation of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger.

Installed just below Sani Pass at 1,566 metres for Volvo at Premier Resort Sani Pass by CHARGE, it enabled a fully solar-to-solar journey for the EX30 Cross Country.

The solar-powered charger will be upgraded in Q2 of 2026 with battery backup capabilities to allow for overnight charging.