Volvo reveals fully electric EM90 luxury MPV with 458-mile range
Volvo has taken the wraps off the new EM90, its first people carrier and a big part of its plans to go fully electric by 2030.
Designed to provide more than just a “comfortable living room on the move”, the six-seater EM90 is targeted as both a family-orientated minivan but also executive transport that “offers the ultimate comfortable interior environment for meetings and business” thanks to its premium interior. Features include an in-car cinema, airline-style seats in the middle row and sliding doors on both sides.
The hybrid Lexus LM rival will also deliver up to 458 miles of fully electric range.
The EM90 will launch first in China before expanding out to other parts of Asia – its arrival in Europe has not been announced yet – and marks the third fully electric model that Volvo has revealed in the last year, following the unveilings of the EX30 baby SUV and the new EX90 flagship.
Volvo says the new arrival will help the brand “reach new audiences, cover more of the global automotive market and realise more profitable volume”.
“With the EM90, we’re taking Volvo Cars’ heritage and leadership in safety into the exciting new electric MPV segment,” said Jim Rowan, chief executive. “It allows us to tap new market demand we’ve not explored before and broadens the appeal of the Volvo brand to more people.”
The Swedish carmaker stresses that while MPVs are a new segment for the brand, it’s no stranger to the concept of versatility and points to the Volvo Duett estate from 1953 as evidence of its longstanding expertise here.
Volvo also says the EM90 will draw on its “96 years of safety heritage, ultimate comfort and cutting-edge technology”.
As already showcased by the Chinese Ministry for Information and Technology last month, the exterior features Volvo’s recognisable Thor’s Hammer headlights, now including an illuminated logo that appears for the first time on a Volvo car, and 19- or 20-inch aero wheels.
Newly announced technical details reveal the fully electric powertrain uses a 272hp single electric motor, giving 0 to 62mph acceleration in 8.3 seconds and combined with a 116kWh battery to deliver a range of up to 738km (458 miles) under China’s CLTC testing cycle. Charging time from 10 to 80% is expected to be less than 30 minutes.
As with the EX90, it’s capable of bi-directional charging, enabling the battery to be used as a power bank to charge other electric cars and appliances and to power the grid directly where possible.
Onboard technology includes a sound system featuring 21 Bowers & Wilkins speakers, plus a 15.4-inch infotainment screen with voice assistant and mobile screen projection that can turn the roof-mounted screen into an in-car cinema. The 15.6-inch screen then folds away when not in use.
The EM90 also gets computing power provided by Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms from Qualcomm Technologies as standard, 5G connectivity and over-the-air software updates.
A digital key and remote functions via the Volvo Cars app provide easy access and control of the car.
“The Volvo EM90 is a supremely comfortable electric car with a smart cabin, fast charging, a competitive driving range, Volvo’s unique design language and a high level of premium in every detail,” said Jim Rowan. “But far more important is what it does for you. It gives you room to connect. Room to create. Room to relax. Room for you and for those around you.”
The EM90 is available now for pre-orders for customers in China.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
