Volvo's EX90: A New Era of All-Electric Driving and Unmatched Safety
Volvo Cars is steering the automotive industry into the future with the launch of its flagship model, the all-electric EX90. This revolutionary SUV, designed to seat seven, represents more than just an upgrade; it's a significant leap into modern automotive technology. With features like Lidar capabilities, core computing, and advanced safety systems, the EX90 sets the stage for a new era in electric vehicles.
One of the standout innovations of the EX90 is its incorporation of powerful central computing systems. Traditionally, a modern vehicle comprises around 200 computers. However, Volvo's EX90 simplifies this with just two robust computers that can process a staggering 275 trillion calculations per second. This allows for over-the-air software updates that keep the vehicle's performance, connectivity, and safety mechanisms continually enhanced—similar to how one updates a smartphone or laptop.
Program manager Mårten Wahlstedt expressed pride in this technological transformation, stating, "We have made an enormous technology 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's system is its Safe Space Technology. This encompasses a suite of active safety features designed to protect not only the vehicle's occupants but also other road users. Utilizing advanced radar technology, cameras, and Lidar—which measures distant objects with incredible precision—the EX90 can detect potential risks both inside and outside the vehicle, providing unparalleled support.
One of the groundbreaking safety features includes a driver monitoring system that was recognized as one of Time Magazine's best inventions of 2024. This system employs real-time technology to assess the driver's state, capable of identifying if the driver is impaired, fatigued, or distracted. If needed, the EX90 can intervene by issuing gentle vibrational alerts to regain the driver's attention or, in more severe cases, bring the vehicle to a safe stop and notify other road users by activating the hazard lights.
Lotta Jakobsson, a safety expert at Volvo Cars, emphasized the extensive research contributing to the development of the EX90, stating, "All our knowledge and research regarding accidents is built into the EX90. Thanks to the software being constantly updated, our safest car will become even safer without you having to do anything."
Additionally, while certain advanced features may vary by market, the future capabilities of the EX90 are designed for adaptability. Future enhancements will allow Lidar detection of objects up to 250 meters away, even in complete darkness, enabling heightened awareness of the surrounding environment.
The EX90 also boasts impressive electrical efficiency, with a WLTP combined driving range of 625-570 km and an electricity consumption rate of 205-220 kWh per 100 km. What's more, the EX90 generates zero CO₂ emissions during operation, representing a significant stride towards sustainable driving.
Overall, the Volvo EX90 is not just a vehicle; it's a glimpse into the next chapter of automotive innovation, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and user adaptability. As Volvo continues to push boundaries with their safety-first approach and state-of-the-art technology, the EX90 stands poised to reshape the electric vehicle landscape for years to come.
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