Volvo XC90 Electric: What do we know so far

Volvo aims to become a leader in the fast-growing premium EV segment with a fully-electric lineup by 2030. In line with that, the Swedish marque showcased the new all-electric Concept Recharge last year as the manifesto for its next-generation electric cars. Back then, it also confirmed that the electric successor of its flagship SUV, the XC90, would be based on the newly revealed concept. Here's what we know so far about the upcoming Volvo XC90 Electric.

Name

The automaker has not yet revealed the name for the upcoming XC90 EV. But as per the recent reports, the EV would not have just another alphanumeric moniker; rather, it would be called the Volvo Embla. Backing the reports is a trademark application on the same name filed by the automaker with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) late last year.

Platform

Volvo XC90 Electric is not the brand's first EV, as it has already rolled out the Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. These two electric vehicles underpin the same CMA architecture as the ICE-powered XC40. However, unlike these, the upcoming electric XC90 will be based on the brand's new SPA2 architecture. 

Also read: Is the Volvo XC40 electric SUV priced to compete?

Said to be a big stepping stone for the company, the new platform will offer two different floor assemblies; one for pure EV models and one for hybrid ones.

Powertrain

So far, Volvo has not spoken about the XC90 powertrain details. However, the speculations move around an entirely new powertrain setup different from the ones available on the XC40, C40 as well as Polestar 2. In addition, the automaker may offer the EV with a choice of two battery sizes - standard and long-range with a maximum driving range of around 500 kilometres.

Design 

The Volvo XC90 Electric is based on the Recharge concept, the latter hints at how the EV will have a totally new approach to exterior and interior design. 

The Concept carries the mantra of 'less but better' at its core, reflecting a radically different design with an enhanced focus on a minimalistic approach. It may feature four free-standing seats inside the cabin and a large-format central touchscreen controlling most of the functions. The latter may be paired with the operating software developed by Google. In addition, extensive use of sustainable and natural materials inside the cabin may also be seen.

As for the exterior, we expect the SUV will sit high off the ground with a straighter-edged two-box silhouette reminiscent of the brand's estate cars. It is likely to retain the same silhouette with some specific design details such as a new grille, new LED headlights inspired by the concept and minor changes here and there.

Advanced tech features onboard

The upcoming Volvo EV will also be loaded with many advanced new technologies. One of the most significant ones is LIDAR technology, which will use laser pulses to measure ranges and detect what is ahead on the road. It is much like SONAR tech, but it monitors light for detection instead of using sound. In addition, an autonomous driving computer system powered by the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin system-on-a-chip will also be part of the kit. 

With these two advanced systems, the automaker plans to reduce fatalities and accidents as a whole. These techs will be continuously updated via over-the-air updates. New systems for other key functions, such as the steering and braking, will also be there.

Expected arrival

Last year, the Swedish automaker confirmed the next-gen XC90 Electric's arrival in 2022. And recently, in an interview with Autocar, the company's CEO Jim Rowan stated that the EV is on track and will be unveiled in the final quarter of 2022.

Also read: Lots of updates in the Volvo Malaysia line-up; new powertrain & price revision