Volvo has announced the commencement of production for its new electric flagship SUV, the EX90, at its manufacturing facility near Charleston, South Carolina. This marks a significant step in Volvo's commitment to electrification and innovation. The first customer deliveries of the EX90 are expected in the latter half of this year, signalling the progression from production to market.
The EX90 represents a shift in Volvo’s approach to vehicle manufacturing, being the first to utilise core computing technology. This innovation is not only a stride forward in automotive technology but also enhances safety features, a cornerstone of Volvo's brand identity and useful on the kind of road/driver combination you can face in the States.
Sadly, the ‘Dollar can be worth more than the Pound' math of modern British economics is clear to see with Volvo's pricing for this large scale SUV. Brits won't see one for less than £96,000.
Jim Rowan, Volvo's Chief Executive, commented on this production milestone, “The fully electric Volvo EX90 is the start of a new era for Volvo Cars – a new era for safety, sustainability and human-centric technology.” He also highlighted the significance of the U.S. production, “The EX90 is proudly manufactured in the USA and reflects Volvo's long-term commitment to Volvo's people in South Carolina and the broader US market.”
The Volvo plant in Charleston, operational since the summer of 2018, plays a crucial role in this new chapter. It not only produces the EX90 and the S60 saloon but also supports a substantial production capacity of up to 150,000 cars per year. Recent expansions and enhancements, including a state-of-the-art battery pack production line, ensure the plant is well-equipped for this new venture.
The EX90 is a fully electric vehicle designed from the ground up with electrification in mind, boasting an impressive range of up to 372 miles on a single charge. It integrates advanced safety technologies and software, informed by a comprehensive array of sensors. This setup includes cameras, radars, and lidar, all powered by nVidia Drive, running Volvo Cars’ proprietary software to provide a real-time, 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings.
Drivers in California could well appreciate the EX90's ability to soak up a huge charge and then ‘give back' when the local supply dies from time to time.
With its Scandinavian design ethos, the EX90 is a seven-seater SUV that combines style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. It features a spacious and versatile interior, making it ideal for families. The vehicle's software and hardware configurations allow for continuous updates and improvements, much like a smartphone or laptop, enhancing user experience over time.
The EX90 also boasts a suite of connectivity features, including a 14.5-inch centre screen with one of the most advanced infotainment systems available, integrating Google apps and services. Additionally, it offers compatibility with wireless Apple CarPlay and a standard 5G connection to enhance the interactive experience.
Moreover, the Volvo EX90 is equipped with bi-directional charging capabilities, which could allow the car to serve as a mobile power source for homes or other electric devices in the future.
Rowan expressed his vision for the vehicle, stating, “The Volvo EX90 is a statement for where we are, and where we are going. It’s fully electric with a range of up to 600 kilometres on a single charge, designed to further raise our safety standards, the first Volvo car to be truly defined by its software and part of a wider ecosystem, connecting to your home and your other devices.”
The launch of the EX90 is just the beginning of Volvo’s ambitious plan to introduce a new fully electric car each year. By 2030, Volvo aims to sell only fully electric cars, underscoring its commitment to becoming a climate-neutral company by 2040.
Rowan believes that this step towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced automotive future – not only showcases Volvo's innovation, but also reinforces its dedication to safety, sustainability and the enhancement of the driving experience. Well, he would, wouldn't he. The start of production of the Volvo EX90 in the United States could be a pivotal moment for the company as it navigates the evolving demands of the global auto market.
As a group, Geely seems to be doing a good job of offering low-cost affordable EVs in to the Far East, alongside stylish models for Europe and juggernauts for the States.
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