- The 2026 Volvo EX90 receives a notable update one year after it launched, with the adoption of an 800-volt electrical system.
- Replacing the previous 400-volt system, the new architecture enables faster charging speeds, more power, and weight savings.
- The updated EX90, which is built in South Carolina, also adds an improved onboard computer that supports more advanced driver-assistance tech.
UPDATE 9/26/25: A Volvo spokesperson has shared more specific details about the updated EX90. While its peak EPA-estimated range has dropped from 310 to 305 miles, that’s due to a slightly smaller battery with a 102-kWh capacity versus the previous 107 kWh. The EX90 can now charge from 10 to 80 percent in a claimed 22 minutes (or about eight minutes faster than before). The Twin Motor Performance variant also receives a significant power boost thanks to the new 800-volt system, with its total output rising from 510 to 670 horsepower.
When the Volvo EX90 launched for the 2025 model year, it did so with a 400-volt electrical system. Now, just one year later, the three-row electric luxury SUV is doubling its operating voltage. Every 2026 EX90 adopts an 800-volt architecture that provides several benefits, including the ability to let owners spend less time fast-charging its 107-kWh battery.
The switch to an 800-volt system—the same that underpins the upcoming Volvo ES90—lets the EX90 add about 155 miles of range in 10 minutes, according to the automaker. That’s roughly 43 miles more than before. The updated EV SUV can also now benefit from using a 350-kW DC fast-charger, with a 10-to-80 percent charge taking an estimated 22 minutes; previously, it took around 30 minutes. When we tested a 2025 example, it took 43 minutes to charge from 10 to 90 percent, with an average charge rate of 127 kW. For 2026, the EX90’s peak charge rate rises from 250 to 350 kW.
Adopting an 800V system provides other benefits too, including fewer components, which helps reduce the overall weight of the hardware. Volvo says the upgrade also provides more power from the electric motors. While the automaker only shared a figure for the Twin Motor Performance, that model’s total output rises from 510 to 670 horsepower. That’s estimated to take it to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, though we think it’ll be quicker than that, since the less powerful example we tested did the deed in 4.1 ticks.
For 2026, the EX90 now comes standard with an electrochromic panoramic roof, so drivers can adjust the transparency of the glass above their heads. The EV SUV also now has a more powerful onboard computer, which enables new AI features as well as more sophisticated driver-assistance tech. The latter includes safety alerts for slippery roads, hazards in the road, and what Volvo calls Emergency Stop Assist, which will contact emergency services and safely bring the vehicle to a stop in its lane if the driver becomes unresponsive. The new EX90 can also better parallel park itself, and its automated emergency braking system works better in dark situations.
Volvo hasn’t yet released pricing for the 2026 EX90, but order books are now open. The 2025 model started at $81,290, with the top-of-the-line trim priced at $90,640. It’s also built at Volvo’s assembly plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, so it’s not affected by tariffs.
This story was originally published on Sept. 23, 2025.
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Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
