The Volvo EX30 Cross Country has made automotive history by becoming the first electric vehicle to conquer the treacherous Sani Pass, a mountain route connecting Lesotho and South Africa. Known for its extreme gradients and unpredictable terrain, the pass has long tested the limits of drivers and vehicles alike.
A Historic Electric Milestone in Lesotho
Stretching through the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, the Sani Pass rises to nearly 2,900 metres above sea level. For decades, it has been a route for Basotho shepherds and traders navigating between Lesotho and South Africa. But this time, it served as a proving ground for the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, demonstrating that electric mobility can thrive even in the harshest environments.
Starting from the Premier Sani Pass Hotel, the vehicle climbed 1,307 metres along untarred, rocky roads powered solely by solar energy. Thanks to a newly installed solar-powered EV charger located just below the pass, the Volvo EX30 Cross Country achieved this ascent without relying on traditional electricity sources — a true milestone in sustainable transport.
Pioneering Electric Adventure
Volvo’s achievement resonates strongly with the growing interest in electric cars in Lesotho, where sustainability and innovation are becoming priorities. The automaker’s goal was clear: to prove that electric vehicles are not limited to city driving. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country successfully tackled steep gradients, sharp bends, and rugged terrain once thought impossible for EVs.
As part of its initiative to promote clean mobility, Volvo installed South Africa’s highest solar-powered charging station. This innovation highlights how renewable energy and electric vehicles can complement each other in promoting sustainable travel across Southern Africa.
For car enthusiasts in Lesotho, platforms like Auto24.africa provide valuable insight into the latest advancements in vehicle technology, helping buyers compare models and embrace eco-friendly driving solutions.
Power and Capability of the EX30 Cross Country
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country comes in the Ultra specification, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive. It delivers an impressive 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Its 69kWh battery provides a driving range of up to 427km, ideal for both urban and off-road adventures.
This flagship model also boasts enhanced off-road features — including a 190mm ground clearance, skid plates, mud flaps, roof rails, and 19-inch alloy wheels — making it perfectly suited for Lesotho’s mountain terrain and rugged roads.
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country has set a new benchmark for electric vehicles in Africa, proving that sustainability and performance can coexist. Do you think Lesotho is ready to welcome more electric SUVs like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
