Volvo EX90: A Leap into the Future of Automotive Safety and Technology
Volvo Cars is setting a new course for the automotive industry with its latest flagship model, the EX90. This fully electric seven-seater SUV marks the beginning of a new era both for Volvo and the broader landscape of electric vehicles. Undoubtedly, the EX90 is not just another vehicle; it represents significant technological advancements that may redefine how we perceive safety and connectivity in cars.
One standout feature of the EX90 is its pioneering use of Lidar—a technology that utilizes reflected light to gauge distance, speed, and the presence of objects with remarkable precision. This makes the EX90 the first Volvo equipped with Lidar, representing another milestone in its commitment to safety. The EX90 is more than just about being electric; it's defined by software, with two powerful central computers that boast the capability to perform a staggering 275,000 billion calculations per second. In contrast to conventional vehicles that may house around 200 separate computers, the EX90's dual-core computing architecture allows for seamless over-the-air software updates throughout the car's lifetime. This means that the car's performance, connectivity, and safety features will improve over time, much like updates for smartphones or laptops.
Mårten Wahlstedt, program manager for the Volvo EX90, notes the magnitude of this shift: "We have made a huge 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." The significance of this leap cannot be overstated; the EX90 leads a charge that pushes the entire automotive industry toward a safer and more integrated future.
At the heart of the EX90 is its Safe Space Technology—an umbrella term that encompasses the active safety systems designed to keep not just the occupants but also other road users safe. Equipped with cutting-edge radar technology and cameras, the EX90 can identify potential hazards both inside and outside the vehicle, offering extra support when necessary.
A particularly innovative feature of the EX90 is its driver monitoring system, which was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2024. This system employs real-time sensing technology to evaluate the driver's condition, detecting signs of impairment, fatigue, or distraction. If the system identifies any risk, it will gently alert the driver, escalating warnings if needed. In critical situations, such as the driver falling asleep, the car can safely pull over and activate hazard lights, effectively communicating with other road users.
Lotta Jakobsson, safety expert at Volvo Cars, emphasizes how research on accidents feeds directly into the EX90’s design: "All our knowledge and research about accidents is built into the EX90. And thanks to the software being constantly updated, our safest car will become even safer without you having to do anything."
As with any groundbreaking technology, the capabilities and features of the EX90 may differ based on market availability. Initially, Lidar equipped on early production models will operate in data collection mode, gradually expanding to include a wider array of detection scenarios as part of Volvo’s Safe Space Technology. This includes remarkable detection abilities that can identify objects as far as 250 meters even in low light conditions.
In terms of performance, the EX90 boasts a WLTP driving range between 625-570 km, while its electric consumption is projected to be around 205-220 kWh per 100 km. Additionally, it is significant to note that the vehicle emits zero CO₂ while driving, although real-world consumption can fluctuate depending on various factors, including driving behavior.
Volvo's commitment to safety is evident through its advanced driver assistance features, designed to enhance the driving experience without encouraging reckless behavior. Moreover, these features do not substitute for the driver's responsibility behind the wheel. As we witness automotive technology rapidly evolve, the Volvo EX90 stands as a beacon of innovation, signaling a formidable shift not only in how cars are manufactured, but how they will adapt in a world focused on safety and environmental sustainability.
Related Sources: