Volvo EX90: Pioneering the Future of Automotive Safety and Technology
With the introduction of the all-electric and seven-seater SUV EX90, Volvo Cars is signaling a new era in automotive innovation. As the company's flagship model, the EX90 is not just another vehicle; it represents the forefront of technology with key advancements that redefine the driving experience.
For the first time, Volvo has equipped the EX90 with Lidar, a sophisticated technology that enhances the vehicle's ability to navigate and respond to its surroundings. This marks a significant shift in how Volvo defines its vehicles, as the EX90 is not only defined by its hardware but is fundamentally a software-driven automobile.
Traditionally, a modern car comprises around 200 individual computers that manage various functions. However, the EX90 streamlines this with two exceptionally powerful central computers that can perform up to 275 trillion calculations per second. This reduction in complexity allows for over-the-air software updates, enabling continuous improvement in performance, connectivity, and safety features throughout the vehicle's lifetime—much like a smartphone or laptop.
Mårten Wahlstedt, the program manager for the Volvo EX90, expresses pride in this remarkable technological leap: "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."
At the heart of the EX90 is what Volvo calls "Safe Space Technology," an umbrella term for the advanced active safety technologies integrated into the vehicle. The EX90 is equipped with cutting-edge radar systems and cameras designed to detect potential risks both inside and outside of the car. With Lidar technology, the vehicle achieves high precision and resolution in measuring distances and identifying objects around it.
One of the standout innovations is the driver monitoring system, which Time Magazine recognized as one of the 2024 Best Inventions. This groundbreaking feature utilizes real-time detection technology to assess the driver's state—identifying whether they may be impaired, tired, or distracted. If necessary, the EX90 can intervene by providing gentle nudges to alert the driver, escalating to more persistent alerts if compliance is not observed. In critical situations, such as if the driver falls asleep, the vehicle can safely halt operation while activating hazard lights to warn other road users.
Volvo’s commitment to safety is evident in their development of the EX90. Lotta Jakobsson, a safety expert at Volvo Cars, states, "All our knowledge and research regarding accidents is built into the EX90. And thanks to the software being continuously updated, our safest car will become even safer without you having to do anything."
However, it's important to note that some features may vary by market and may not be available or standard in all configurations of the EX90. As the Lidar technology evolves, early production vehicles will operate in data collection mode, with future updates increasing detection scenarios, including the ability to spot objects up to 250 meters away, even in low light conditions.
In terms of performance, the EX90 boasts an impressive WLTP combined driving range of approximately 625-570 kilometers and an energy consumption rate between 205-220 kWh per 100 kilometers. Notably, it produces no CO₂ emissions during operation. Actual range and consumption may vary based on driving behavior as well as external factors.
Volvo emphasizes that its advanced safety features serve as driver assistance tools and do not intend to promote distracted or illegal driving practices. The ultimate responsibility still lies with the driver.
For those interested in custom configurations, Volvo invites customers to design their own EX90 to meet personal preferences. With its pioneering features and commitment to safety, the Volvo EX90 truly is a glimpse into the future of mobility.
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