WhichEV was invited to Stockholm to get hands-on with Volvo's latest electric vehicle, the ES90, which promises to improve charging speed and driving range through the use of 800-volt technology. Volvo told us that the ES90 can add up to 300km/186mi of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a 350kW fast-charging station. The model also offers a maximum driving range of up to 700km/435mi on a single charge under the WLTP cycle. Impressive figures. When accepting Volvo's invitation, we'd anticipated needing 4x layers of thermals for the harsh Swedish winter. Turns out that the city was 10 degrees and sunny, so only a rugby shirt and scarf were needed. On to the car itself.
Introduction of 800V Technology
The ES90 is the first Volvo to incorporate an 800-volt electrical system, a feature that enhances overall vehicle efficiency and performance compared to the 400-volt systems used in previous models. This higher voltage allows for faster charging times, reduces heat generation, and improves the efficiency of power delivery. The technology also contributes to weight reduction by enabling lighter electric motors and other system components, which in turn supports an extended driving range and improved acceleration.
To ensure compatibility, every component in the ES90’s electric system has been upgraded, including the battery cells, electric motors, inverter, and thermal management systems. Anders Bell, Volvo’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, noted that this development represents a key milestone in the company’s move towards full electrification.
Charging and Efficiency Improvements
One of the key benefits of the ES90’s 800V architecture is its ability to reduce charging time. Volvo states that its newly developed battery management software, combined with adaptive charging technology from Breathe Battery Technologies, allows the vehicle to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 20 minutes. This represents a reduction of up to 30 per cent in charging time compared to the company’s previous electric models.
A higher-voltage system means that the ES90 can deliver more power without increasing current levels, which helps to mitigate heat build-up. By maintaining lower temperatures during charging, the system supports sustained high-power charging without overloading the battery or other electrical components.
We saw these kinds of charging numbers last April on the Polestar 5 prototype – fitted with the latest battery technology from StoreDot. Given that Volvo and Polestar share Geely, maybe this is now considered ‘mature technology' and ready for mass deployment.
Sustainability Measures in the ES90
In addition to technological advancements in charging and efficiency, Volvo has incorporated various sustainability-focused measures in the ES90. The company highlights the use of recycled and bio-based materials in the vehicle’s construction, reducing its overall environmental impact. According to Volvo, 29 per cent of the aluminium and 18 per cent of the steel used in the ES90 is recycled, while the interior incorporates 16 per cent recycled polymers and other bio-based materials. The wooden panels in the cabin are sourced from FSC-certified wood.
As part of its commitment to ethical sourcing, Volvo has also implemented a battery passport system based on blockchain technology. This system allows for the tracking of key raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, providing customers with transparency regarding the origins of materials used in the battery pack. The passport also details the carbon footprint associated with the battery’s production.
The Most Powerful Powerful Volvo Ever
Not necessarily in terms of horsepower, but rather in terms of compute power. As we reported earlier, the ES90 has – at its core – the dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor system. This marks a substantial leap forward, replacing the previous generation's Xavier processors and providing an eightfold increase in AI compute performance. With approximately 508 trillion operations per second (TOPS), these processors manage a multitude of critical functions, from advanced AI-based active safety features and sensor processing to efficient battery management.
The sheer processing power of the Orin processors allows for more complex and sophisticated AI models. Volvo plans to gradually increase the size of its deep learning model and neural network from 40 million to 200 million parameters as more data is collected and the model further developed. This continuous learning process aims to enhance the customer experience and, crucially, elevate safety levels.
The ES90 is the second Volvo model, after the EX90, to be built on the SPA2 architecture and utilise the Superset tech stack. This unified set of hardware and software modules will underpin all future electric Volvo cars. The Superset approach enables more efficient development and faster deployment of improvements across the entire Volvo EV range via over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Market Availability and Testing Conditions
The ES90 was officially unveiled on 5 March, with Volvo providing a livestream of the event. The company has clarified that the vehicle’s advertised range of 700 kilometres is based on the WLTP testing cycle and applies specifically to the all-wheel-drive variant equipped with twin motors and a 106kWh battery. In China, the same variant is expected to achieve a range of 740 kilometres under the CLTC driving cycle.
Volvo also notes that real-world charging times and range will vary depending on external factors such as temperature, battery condition, and charging infrastructure. The company’s stated charging times are based on optimal conditions using a 350kW fast-charging facility.
Here's a ‘lightning round' of Q&As from our Stockholm connection that we thought might be useful:-
- When will Volvo start taking orders? March 2025
- Production starts? Late summer 2025
- First UK deliveries? They're aiming at Q1 2026
- Powertrain options? Single, Twin and Twin Performance
- Battery sizes? 106kWh and 92kWh
- Trim Levels? Plus and Ultra
- Pricing? Models are expected to be between £70,000 and £88,000
Volvo’s Electrification Strategy
The ES90 represents Volvo’s continued efforts to expand its range of electric vehicles and improve their efficiency. By integrating 800-volt technology and new battery management software, the company aims to address two of the primary concerns associated with electric vehicles: charging speed and range. These advancements align with Volvo’s broader goal of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030.
With the introduction of the ES90, Volvo is positioning itself to compete into the rapidly evolving ‘EVs with a touch of luxury' market. Each refinement in look, feel and trim – combined with even more advanced electronics – must get the attention of the design team at JLR – who will looking for twice the price of the ES90 for their next model.
The improvements in charging efficiency and sustainability-focused design are likely to appeal to consumers looking for greater practicality in electric mobility. We will be back with our driving experience overview soon – so keep checking back.
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