Introducing the Volvo EX90: A Leap into the Future of Electric SUVs
Volvo Cars has officially unveiled its flagship model, the Volvo EX90, a fully electric seven-seater SUV that signifies the dawn of a new era in automotive innovation. This groundbreaking vehicle is the first from Volvo to feature advanced Lidar technology, operating on a cutting-edge core computing platform that sets the stage for a range of technological advancements in automotive safety and performance.
The EX90 distinguishes itself with only two powerful central computers, capable of executing 275 trillion calculations per second, a stark contrast to the typical modern car that comprises around 200 computers. This revolutionary setup enables the vehicle to receive over-the-air software updates, enhancing its performance, connectivity, and safety throughout its lifespan. Much like the smartphones and laptops that dominate our technology today, the EX90 benefits from regular updates, making it an ever-evolving machine.
Mårten Wahlstedt, the program manager for the Volvo EX90, expressed the company's pride over this monumental shift in technology, stating, "We have made a massive technological shift. The EX90 is the first product that has brought us through that shift. This is not a transition made every five years; rather every fifty years."
Central to the EX90's functionality is its Safe Space Technology, a term that encompasses advanced active safety features designed to create a safe environment for drivers, passengers, and other road users alike. With its sophisticated radar technology and camera systems, the vehicle can detect potential risks around it, contributing to a safer driving experience.
A highlight feature of the EX90 is its driver monitoring system, hailed as one of Time Magazine's Best Inventions of 2024. Utilizing real-time sensing technology, this innovative system can determine if the driver is impaired, tired, or distracted, triggering the vehicle to intervene when necessary to ensure safety. For instance, if the driver does not respond to a gentle nudge from the car, it will escalate its warnings, and in severe cases, such as the driver falling asleep, it can safely bring the vehicle to a stop while signaling to other road users.
Safety expert Lotta Jakobsson emphasized that the EX90 incorporates extensive research on accident prevention. "All our knowledge and research regarding accidents are built into the EX90. And thanks to the software being constantly updated, our safest car will become even safer without you needing to do anything," Jakobsson said.
The EX90 aims to tackle various safety scenarios using its integrated Lidar technology, which utilizes reflected light to measure distances and speeds, ultimately improving accuracy in object detection both day and night. This technology will eventually allow the EX90 to detect objects up to 250 meters away, even in darkness, enhancing its existing Safe Space Technology capabilities.
While the features and technologies within the EX90 will vary across different markets, the commitment to innovation and safety remains constant. The EX90 embodies Volvo's legacy of prioritizing the safety of its passengers and the community, paving the way for the next generation of electric vehicles.
For those interested in experiencing this state-of-the-art SUV, customization options are available, allowing drivers to tailor the EX90 to their preferences. As Volvo continues to innovate, we can only anticipate the remarkable advancements that await in the realm of electric vehicles.
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