Volvo is set to introduce the ES90, its newest fully electric vehicle, which features an innovative 800-volt technology. This advancement is designed to enhance charging efficiency and overall vehicle performance compared to previous models utilizing a 400-volt system.
The 800-volt electric system offers several advantages, including faster charging times and improved efficiency. The ES90 can achieve a range of 300 kilometers in just 10 minutes when connected to 350 kW fast charging stations. Under the WLTP testing cycle, it boasts a maximum driving range of 700 kilometers.
The vehicle is engineered to provide comfort and reliability, aiming to enhance the driving experience for users. Key to this is the advanced electric system that supports quicker charging and extended range. According to Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer at Volvo, “Our 800V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move towards full electrification. It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster and go further on a single charge.”
To support the 800-volt system, all components, including battery cells, e-motors, inverters, and thermal systems, have been upgraded. This higher voltage allows for greater power delivery while generating less heat, enabling faster charging without overloading the system. The ES90 also features lighter components, which contribute to improved efficiency and enhanced acceleration.
The newly developed battery management software facilitates a more efficient charging process, reducing the time required to charge from 10 to 80 percent by up to 30 percent, achieving this in approximately 20 minutes. This improvement is partly due to the inclusion of adaptive charging software from Breathe Battery Technologies, a company in which Volvo has invested.
Sustainability is another focus of the ES90. The vehicle incorporates recycled and natural materials, which help lower CO2 emissions during production. Approximately 29 percent of the aluminum, 16 percent of the polymers, and 18 percent of the steel used in the ES90 are recycled materials. Additionally, the wood panels are sourced from FSC-certified wood.
The ES90 includes a battery passport that utilizes blockchain technology to provide transparency regarding the origins of the raw materials used in the battery. This passport details the sources of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, as well as the CO2 footprint of the battery pack.
The official reveal of the ES90 is scheduled for March 5.