XC90 reinvented as an EV
Concept Recharge parades new tech; previews XC90 replacement
Volvo has previewed its XC90 successor through the Concept Recharge, which also showcases key technology that will underpin its electric-only future.
The Swedish firm currently has two EVS in its line-up (the XC40 P8 Recharge and C40 Recharge SUVS), both built on the multi-powertrain CMA platform. The XC90 flagship’s successor will use the new Evonly SPA2 platform. It is due in 2022 with a new name and will be twinned with the upcoming 3 SUV from sister brand Polestar.
The new Volvo will take key styling cues from the Concept Recharge, which combines a two-box estate silhouette with a raised ride height.
Volvo design boss Robin Page called the concept “a manifesto for the all-electric future of Volvo cars, as well as a new type of vehicle”.
The Concept Recharge showcases design elements that will feature on all future Volvo vehicles, including the new ‘shield’ that replaces the front grille and an evolution of the Thor’s Hammer headlights.
Interior space is optimised by way of the axles being pushed closer to the ends and the batteries being positioned under the floor.
The concept features rearhinged rear doors and booster cushions that can effectively raise the rear seats to afford passengers better visibility.
Its dashboard is centred on a large (15.0in) touchscreen that will run the latest version of Volvo’s Android-based infotainment system.
The Concept Recharge also features a lidar sensor mounted at the front of the roof. Lidar has to date generally been used in cars only to inform autonomous driving systems, but Volvo is set to fit them as standard to all of its future EVS, because of the safety benefits they offer.
The scanners are far more precise than traditional radar and camera sensors, which Volvo says will enable it to greatly improve its driver assistance and safety features.
CEO Håkan Samuelsson said the decision to give the XC90 replacement a name, rather than follow Volvo’s traditional alphanumeric naming system, was taken because “it’s really the first of its kind, so to mark that this is the next generation, this car will have a name, like a child”.
As well as showing the Concept Recharge, Volvo revealed further details of the tech it is working on for its EVS.
This includes developing its own software operating system (called Volvocars.os) and offering advanced connectivity, which will enable it to offer enhanced infotainment and over-the-air software updates. It will also allow Volvo to gather real-time lidar data in order to accelerate its development of autonomous driving systems.
Volvo is working with partner company Northvolt on new EV battery technology, which it claims will enable it to offer a driving range of around 1000km (621 miles) by 2030.
Samuelsson added that advances in EV battery production, including increased use of recycled elements, would also help to lower the cost of EVS in future. He said that Volvo is on course to achieve cost parity between its EVS and ICE cars by 2025.