Fifty-six years after the first Volvo reached the top of Sani Pass, the all-electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country has made history by becoming the first battery-powered vehicle to conquer one of South Africa’s toughest mountain routes, powered entirely by solar energy, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) marked the end of Transport Month with this milestone achievement, showcasing how electric vehicles (EVs) can thrive in extreme terrain. The feat highlights not just the EX30 Cross Country’s capability but also the growing potential for sustainable mobility in the country.
Stretching through the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, Sani Pass is known for its steep gradients, hairpin bends and rocky terrain, a true test of endurance and control for any vehicle. The route has long been a proving ground for those built to endure. In 1969, the first Volvo completed the climb, a moment that helped shape the brand’s rugged legacy. More than half a century later, the compact EX30 Cross Country has repeated that feat, this time with zero emissions.
The 315 kW electric SUV, designed for both urban streets and wild terrain, handled the ascent with precision and composure, dispelling doubts about EV performance in off-road conditions. Its success signals that electric mobility is not limited to smooth city roads but can also deliver adventure, power and sustainability.
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Adding to the achievement, South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger has been installed at Premier Resort Sani Pass, at an altitude of 1 566 metres. Installed by CHARGE for Volvo, the station allowed the EX30 Cross Country to complete a fully solar-to-solar journey, demonstrating that clean energy can support exploration even in remote regions.
‘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 Volvo Car South Africa. ‘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 this milestone reflects the evolution of innovation and endurance on Sani Pass. ‘From the Willys Jeep ascents of the mid-20th century to modern performance trials, this route has always symbolised determination and ingenuity. The EX30 Cross Country now joins that legacy, proving that electric power can deliver both capability and sustainability.’
CHARGE founder Joubert Roux described the achievement as ‘a proud step towards South Africa’s electric future,’ confirming plans to upgrade the Sani Pass charger in 2026 with battery backup to support overnight charging.
Volvo’s latest achievement reinforces its mission to push the boundaries of sustainable mobility, proving that adventure doesn’t end with electrification, it’s only just begun.
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Picture: Supplied
