Volvo Cars has unveiled its new fully electric SUV, the Volvo EX90, which marks a new era for the Swedish automaker. The EX90 is the first model to be built on Volvo's new Electric Scalable Modular Architecture (ESMA), which is designed exclusively for battery-powered vehicles.
The Volvo EX90 is also the first Volvo to feature a new design language that emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and sustainability. The exterior of the car has smooth surfaces, sharp lines, and a distinctive grille that houses sensors and cameras for advanced driver assistance systems. The interior of the car is spacious, luxurious, and minimalist, with a large touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.
But perhaps the most striking feature of the EX90 is its sound system, which Volvo claims is one of the best in the industry. The car is equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins audio system that delivers an immersive and enthralling sound experience for both drivers and passengers.
How sound and design are combined in the EX90
The sound system of the EX90 is not just a collection of speakers and amplifiers. It is a carefully engineered and integrated part of the car's design, which enhances its performance, comfort, and safety.
The Volvo EX90 has 19 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, including two subwoofers under the front seats and four tweeters on the dashboard. The speakers are powered by a 16-channel amplifier that delivers 1,400 watts of output. The system also uses advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology to optimize the sound quality for different driving modes, road conditions, and personal preferences.
The sound system of the Volvo EX90 also works in harmony with the car's electric drivetrain, which produces minimal noise and vibration. The system uses active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to reduce unwanted sounds from outside sources, such as wind or traffic. The system also uses active sound enhancement (ASE) technology to create artificial sounds that match the speed and acceleration of the car, giving drivers a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
The sound system of the EX90 is not only designed to please the ears but also to protect them. The system can detect if there is an imminent collision or emergency situation and automatically lower the volume or mute the music to alert drivers and passengers. The system can also emit warning sounds to pedestrians or cyclists who may not hear the car approaching.
How the EX90 compare to other electric SUVs
The EX90 is Volvo's second fully electric model after the XC40 Recharge, which was launched in 2019. The EX90 is larger and more powerful than the XC40 Recharge, offering more space, range, and performance.
The Volvo EX90 has a battery capacity of 100 kWh, which enables it to travel up to 310 miles on a single charge. The car can also charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a fast-charging station. The car has two electric motors, one on each axle, that produce a combined output of 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph.
The Volvo EX90 competes with other luxury electric SUVs in the market, such as the Tesla Model X, Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace, and BMW iX. The EX90 stands out from its rivals with its distinctive design, premium sound system, and advanced safety features.
The EX90 also offers a competitive price for its segment. The electric car will start at $69,900 in the US market when it goes on sale in late 2023. That's lower than the starting prices of most of its competitors, except for the Tesla Model X, which starts at $64,990.
How the EX90 represents Volvo's future vision
The EX90 is more than just a new car model for Volvo. It is also a symbol of Volvo's ambition to become a leader in electrification as part of its broader vision to become a climate-neutral company by 2040.
How Volvo is pursuing its electrification strategy
Volvo Cars has been at the forefront of electrification in the auto industry as the first major premium car brand to commit to a hybrid or full-electric powertrain for all its models. Since 2019, every new Volvo car launched has had an electric motor, either as a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric variant.
Volvo Cars aims to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and plans to roll out a whole new family of pure electric cars in the coming years, one of the industry's most ambitious electrification plans. The EX90 is the first of these models, followed by the Volvo C40 Recharge, a sleek coupe-like SUV that was revealed earlier this year.
By 2025, Volvo Cars expects 50% of its global sales to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest being hybrids. By 2030, every car it sells should be fully electric. To achieve this goal, Volvo Cars has invested heavily in battery technology and production, as well as charging infrastructure and services.
Volvo Cars has signed large supply deals with LG Chem and CATL, two of the world's leading lithium-ion battery makers, to secure enough batteries for its electrified models. It has also announced plans to build its own battery factories in Europe, China, and the US, in collaboration with its parent company Geely.
Volvo Cars has also partnered with Plugsurfing, one of Europe's largest charging networks, to offer its customers access to over 200,000 charging points across the continent. It has also launched a new service called Volvo Charging, which provides customers with tailored charging solutions for their homes or workplaces.
How Volvo is reducing its environmental impact
Volvo Cars' electrification strategy is not only driven by customer demand and market trends but also by its commitment to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to fighting climate change.
Volvo Cars has set a target to reduce the life cycle carbon footprint per car by 40% between 2018 and 2025 as a first step towards becoming a climate-neutral company by 2040. This means cutting emissions not only from its cars but also from its operations and supply chain.
Volvo Cars has already achieved carbon-neutral status for its global manufacturing network, which consists of plants in Sweden, Belgium, China, and the US. It has done so by switching to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower, as well as by improving energy efficiency and reducing waste.
Volvo Cars has also worked with its suppliers to reduce their emissions and increase their use of recycled materials. For example, it has introduced a new material called Econyl for its carpets and seat covers, which are made from recycled nylon from fishing nets and other sources.
Volvo Cars has also taken steps to ensure that its electric cars are as green as possible throughout their life cycle. It has developed a circular battery system allowing old car batteries to be reused or recycled. It has also launched a new initiative called Volvo Green Planet, which offers customers the option of buying renewable energy certificates that match their annual electricity consumption for charging their cars.
How Volvo is preparing for an electric future
The Volvo EX90 is not only a milestone for Volvo Cars but also a sign of what's to come for the brand and its customers. The EX90 is the first Volvo to be available online only, as part of Volvo's new sales model that focuses on digital channels and subscription services.
Customers who want to buy or lease an EX90 can do so through Volvo's website or app, where they can configure their car, choose their payment options, and arrange delivery or pick-up. Customers can also opt for Care by Volvo, a subscription service that offers flexible access to cars without any upfront costs or long-term commitments.
Volvo Cars believes that this new sales model will offer customers more convenience, transparency, and value for money. It will also allow Volvo Cars to have more direct contact with its customers and provide them with better service and support.
The Volvo EX90 is not only a stunning electric SUV with a captivating sound system. It is also a glimpse into Volvo's electric future, where customers can enjoy cleaner mobility, smarter technology, and better service. The Volvo EX90 is expected to hit the US market in early 2024, with a starting price of $74,900. For those who want to experience the EX90 for themselves, Volvo Cars is offering test drives and pre-orders through its website.
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