FYI: Volvo is set to significantly enhance the EX90 with a cutting-edge 800V battery platform, slashing charging times and aligning with industry rivals.
Volvo is gearing up to elevate the EX90 SUV by integrating an advanced 800V battery system in a forthcoming model revision. This progressive move aims to bolster the vehicle’s charging efficiency at DC fast charging stations, aligning it more closely with competitors like the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Lucid Gravity.
Upgrading to Compete
While Volvo’s EX90 has been a flagship in their electric lineup, the 400V battery pack was seen as a limitation compared to its competitors. This 400V system, while functional, lagged behind the superior charging speeds offered by 800V setups available in rival models. The recently unveiled ES90 sedan, which shares the SPA2 platform with the EX90, already includes an 800V configuration, setting a new standard for the brand’s electric future.
The Power of 800 Volts
The transformation to an 800V system isn’t about extending the vehicle’s range per charge but drastically reducing charging times. The ability to handle more kilowatts during charging can potentially enhance the user experience significantly. Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, highlighted this upgrade’s impact, noting that this enhancement could potentially add up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) of travel range within a mere 10-minute charge.
Strategic Future Planning
In an interview with AutoExpress, Rowan confirmed plans for the EX90 to embrace the 800V architecture within the next few years as part of a model-year refresh. This transition is anticipated to unify the brand’s battery technology across its model range, including the upcoming EX60 on the new SPA3 platform.
Charging Speed Improvements
Currently, the 400V EX90 supports up to 250 kW from a DC fast charger, facilitating a 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes. The switch to an 800V system promises to reduce charging times by as much as 10 minutes, using a 350 kW fast charger, improving efficiency by 50%.
Battery Configuration Options
A possible question remains whether Volvo will align the EX90’s battery with the 106-kWh unit used in the ES90. The current setup for the EX90 boasts a 111-kWh battery, providing an EPA range of 310 miles. Adjustments in battery capacity are expected to exert minimal impact on overall range, given the enhanced charging capacity, rendering any minor differences negligible over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Volvo’s planned upgrades for the EX90 are set to significantly enhance its competitive edge within the electric vehicle market. This strategic move not only aligns with industry trends toward faster charging solutions but also signifies Volvo’s commitment to keeping its flagship models at the forefront of electric vehicle technology. For the latest updates on this and more, be sure to follow us at automotive.fyi or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
