Overview
Sweden has produced a number of world manufacturers, however none are as famend for passenger security as Volvo Vehicles. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1927, Volvo has a storied historical past and has undergone a number of possession modifications, together with a interval below the US-based Ford Motor Firm. At present, the corporate is owned by the Chinese language automotive big Geely Vehicle, which acquired it in 2010. Geely additionally owns Lotus Vehicles and Polestar.
Volvo Vehicles was among the many first mainstream authentic tools producers (OEMs) to decide to a way forward for zero-tailpipe emission street transport. In 2017, the corporate declared its aim to impress its complete vary. With a historical past of innovation in electrical mobility, it had already examined battery-electric automobiles (BEVs) in 2010 and launched its first plug-in hybrid diesel car in 2012. In March 2021, Volvo introduced its intention to change into a completely electrical model by 2030 and goals for ‘local weather neutrality’ all through its worth chain by 2040. The identify ‘Volvo’ is derived from Latin, that means “I roll,” and its brand is a historic image for iron, reflecting the corporate’s emphasis on high-quality supplies.
At present, Volvo presents a number of BEVs and plug-in hybrid electrical automobiles (PHEVs).
Electrical Vehicles: The Fundamentals
Should you’re new to the world of zero-emission electrical driving, you may discover the next sources useful:
- Join the e-zoomed Electrical Residing publication.
The All-Electrical Volvo ES90 Saloon
Whereas many are acquainted with the traditional Volvo S90, the all-electric Volvo ES90 is markedly completely different from the S90 inner combustion engine mannequin (manufacturing of which concluded globally in 2024). The ES90, an government battery-electric car developed on the SPA2 platform (Scalable Product Structure), shares this platform with the all-electric Volvo EX90. Transferring ahead, all of Volvo’s electrical automobiles shall be based mostly on this SPA structure.
The Polestar 3, one other all-electric providing, equally makes use of the SPA2 platform. Essentially, Volvo’s electrical automobiles will share the identical core programs, modules, software program, and {hardware}, often known as the ‘Volvo Vehicles Superset tech stack.’ Volvo can be creating a next-generation SPA3 platform, with the primary EV based mostly on SPA3 being the midsize EX60 SUV.
The ES90, launched in March 2025, marks Volvo’s first foray into pure electrical saloons, which had beforehand targeted on SUVs. This premium EV incorporates design parts from SUVs, fastbacks, and hatchbacks, together with increased floor clearance to boost driver positioning.
Staying true to Volvo’s core values of minimalism, sustainability, and security, the ES90 options a gorgeous exterior with a coupe-style roofline that improves aerodynamics, attaining a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25—making it probably the most aerodynamic Volvo automobile thus far, though the Hyundai IONIQ 6 has a good decrease Cd of 0.21.
The ES90 is the primary Volvo to implement 800V expertise and is obtainable with two battery choices: a 92 kWh single-motor variant and a 106 kWh twin-motor variant. The previous delivers a WLTP vary of 404 miles, whereas the latter achieves 435 miles. Adjusted for real-world situations, anticipate the 92 kWh variant to cowl as much as 350 miles on a single cost, and the 106 kWh variant as much as 375 miles. Each choices present ample electrical vary for city and long-distance driving. The consumption fee ranges from 25.9 to 27.5 kWh/100 miles, and every variant options customary battery pre-conditioning and a warmth pump to boost effectivity.
In distinction, the all-electric BMW i5 presents a single battery measurement (83.9 kWh) with a claimed vary of 357 miles, whereas the Mercedes EQE has a 90.6 kWh battery with a 384-mile vary. The extra budget-friendly all-electric BYD Seal gives an 82.56 kWh battery and a quoted vary of 354 miles, making it a viable choice for households or companies looking for a dependable, reasonably priced electrical saloon.
The Volvo ES90 comes with an 11 kW AC on-board charger as customary. Charging through typical single-phase AC energy provide limits charging at dwelling to 7.4 kW. These with three-phase entry can absolutely cost the 92 kWh variant in about 8 hours and the 106 kWh variant in 10 hours. For dwelling charging, a sensible solar-compatible charger is really helpful, and the ES90 helps as much as 350 kW DC charging, enabling a ten% to 80% cost in simply 20 minutes. The EV contains an eight-year or 100,000 miles guarantee on the battery, assuring as much as 70% of its authentic capability, which is consistent with trade requirements.
Selling the usage of photo voltaic PV and battery storage, e-zoomed encourages integrating renewable power sources to cut back possession prices and guarantee zero tailpipe emissions. Additionally they present numerous photo voltaic PV and battery storage presents.
Dimensions-wise, the ES90 measures 5.0m in size and 1.54m in peak (1.94m in width). By comparability, the BMW i5 is barely longer at 5.06m and considerably decrease at 1.51m, whereas the Mercedes EQE is 4.94m lengthy and 1.50m tall. The ES90 encompasses a 22L frunk (ultimate for a brief cable) and a 446L boot, increasing to 1,256L with the rear seats down. The BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE provide boot areas of 490L and 430L, respectively, whereas the ES90 gives sensible inside area and storage options.
The hatchback-style tailgate enhances the ES90’s practicality with a bigger boot opening, and a regular energy tailgate provides comfort. Variants additionally provide a panoramic glass roof, with some that includes an electrochromic choice to regulate transparency and cut back glare.
As anticipated from Volvo, the ES90 incorporates quite a few sustainability measures, together with 29% recycled aluminum, 18% recycled metal, and 16% recycled polymers, contributing to considerably decrease life-cycle emissions—as much as a 75% discount in comparison with petrol and diesel automobiles, alongside zero tailpipe emissions that enhance native air high quality.
The ES90 is accessible in three powertrain configurations: the rear-wheel drive single motor, and two all-wheel drive twin-motor choices. The one motor variant (92 kWh) accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds (with 333 HP), whereas the dual motor (106 kWh) reaches the identical pace in 5.5 seconds (449 HP). The dual motor efficiency variant achieves 0-62 mph in simply 4.0 seconds, with a most output of 680 HP. All variants have a prime pace of 112 mph, and a one-pedal driving expertise is customary, permitting for less complicated operation.
Though the ES90 has not but obtained a Euro NCAP Security Score, Volvo’s longstanding dedication to security leads expectations for a five-star ranking. Customary security options embody run-off street mitigation, collision avoidance, pedestrian and bike owner steering help, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree digicam system, and intensive sensor protection.
Further expertise options embody a 14.5” touchscreen, a 9” driver show, wi-fi charging, Google Assistant, Google Maps, and 5G connectivity. The ES90 is the primary Volvo mannequin using twin NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin configurations, considerably enhancing computing energy and establishing Volvo’s management in software-defined automobiles.
Inside, the cabin displays luxurious, complemented by the signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and C-shaped rear lamps. Volvo presents a refined colour palette for the outside, together with a very interesting denim blue.
Conclusion
In abstract, the Volvo ES90 guarantees to be a wonderful alternative for these looking for an expensive, succesful, and sensible zero-tailpipe emission saloon electrical car. Nevertheless, alternate options can be found for these on a tighter price range. The beginning worth for the ES90 is £69,650. Firm-car drivers profit from a low Profit-in-Type (BiK) tax fee for electrical automobiles. Leasing choices by way of e-zoomed present incredible offers, together with wage sacrifice applications, making electrical driving a financially enticing and environmentally pleasant choice.
Professionals and Cons
Professionals:
- Good EV battery measurement and electrical vary
- Excessive degree of ordinary onboard tools and expertise, together with a warmth pump
- Fast charging functionality (as much as 350 kW DC)
Cons:
- Availability of extra reasonably priced alternate options
- Restricted bodily controls
- Larger worth choices will be costly
The detailed specs, together with charging occasions and dimensions, can information potential consumers in understanding the car’s capabilities and match for his or her wants.
