- Volvo continues to tease information about the electric ES90 sedan ahead of its reveal next week, this time detailing its range estimate and charging info.
- Volvo claims the ES90 has 435 miles of range based on the optimistic European WLTP cycle; we expect its EPA figure to be closer to 369 miles.
- The ES90 will also be the first Volvo EV with an 800-volt architecture, which helps it charge from 10 to 80 percent in a claimed 20 minutes.
The IV drip of information about the upcoming Volvo ES90 continues. Following last week’s teaser, the automaker has released more information, this time focused on the mid-size luxury sedan’s electric architecture and range.
Volvo claims the ES90 with dual motors and all-wheel drive can travel 435 miles on a full charge. However, that’s based on the more optimistic WLTP cycle. We expect its EPA estimate will be closer to 369 miles. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a bit longer for the official U.S. figures. Either way, the sedan’s estimated range is notably longer than the EX90 SUV, Volvo’s other new all-electric model, which is EPA-rated to travel up to 310 miles.
The EX90’s battery has a usable capacity of 107.0 kWh, while the ES90 has a slightly smaller pack that we estimate will have about 101.0 kWh on tap. Despite the size difference, the sedan’s extra range is partly attributed to its 800-volt architecture. Along with providing considerably faster charging speeds, the ES90’s platform uses lighter e-motors, which Volvo says help reduce overall weight and improve acceleration, efficiency, and range.
The value of the 800-volt system is evident as the battery’s state of charge shrinks. Volvo claims the ES90 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes when connected to a 350-kW DC fast-charger. The automaker also says the sedan will be able to add 186 miles of range in 10 minutes.
When it comes to the construction of the ES90, Volvo says that 29 percent of the aluminum used in the car is recycled, as is 18 percent of the steel and 16 percent of the polymers. We’ll learn even more about the first Volvo EV to feature an 800-volt architecture when it’s revealed via livestream next Wednesday, March 5.
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
