Volvo EX90: A Glimpse into the Future of Automotive Technology

Volvo Cars has taken a monumental step forward with its flagship model, the fully electric EX90, marking the dawn of a new era in automotive innovation. This groundbreaking seven-seater SUV is not just an electric vehicle; it's a testament to how technology can redefine the driving experience.

The EX90 is Volvo's first model equipped with Lidar technology, a significant advancement that allows the SUV to thoroughly understand its surroundings. It's also the first vehicle that operates on a new software foundation, integrating two powerful core computers that collectively deliver an astonishing 275,000 trillion calculations per second. This leap in technology drastically streamlines the vehicle's operations, condensing what would typically require around 200 separate computers into just two.

The capabilities of the EX90 extend beyond mere performance. These powerful computers enable over-the-air software updates, ensuring that the vehicle continuously improves over its lifetime, much like a smartphone. "We have made a tremendous technological shift. The EX90 is the first product that has taken us through that shift. This is not a transition you make every five years, rather every fifty years," said Mårten Wahlstedt, program manager for the EX90.

Safety is at the forefront of Volvo's design philosophy, and the EX90 embodies this with its Safe Space Technology. This innovative suite of active safety features employs advanced radar and camera systems to monitor potential risks both inside and outside the vehicle. By integrating Lidar technology, which measures distances and identifies objects using reflected light, the EX90 provides unparalleled safety support.

Among its many safety features is an advanced driver monitoring system that has been recognized as one of Time Magazine's Best Inventions of 2024. This system uses real-time sensing technology to gauge the driver's state—whether they are impaired, tired, or distracted. If necessary, the vehicle can intervene: initially with a soft nudge, escalating to clearer warnings if the driver does not respond. In extreme cases, such as if the driver falls asleep, the EX90 can safely bring itself to a stop while alerting other road users with its hazard lights.

Lotta Jakobsson, a safety expert at Volvo Cars, stated, "All our knowledge and research on accidents are embedded in the EX90. Thanks to the software being constantly updated, our safest car will become even safer without you needing to do anything."

As for its performance specifications, the EX90 boasts an impressive WLTP combined driving range of 625 to 570 kilometers, with energy consumption ratings between 205 to 220 kWh per 100 km. Remarkably, the vehicle produces no CO₂ emissions during driving, although real-world performance may vary based on driving habits and environmental conditions.

It's important to note that while the advanced safety features serve as driver aids, they do not replace the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle safely. Additionally, not all features may be available in every market or model, and early production vehicles equipped with Lidar will initially operate in data collection mode.

The Volvo EX90 is set to redefine the relationship drivers have with their vehicles, providing a safer, smarter, and more connected driving experience. As we stand on the brink of this automotive revolution, it's clear that the future of driving is not just electric—it's intelligent.

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