Volvo announces EX90 electric SUV, “the safest car ever”

Volvo has announced the EX90, its new top-of-the-line electric SUV, which will be sold alongside the XC90, the comparable internal combustion model. It could be the “safest car” yet, equipped with many sensors both inside and outside the car. And despite its large size and large interior space, which can seat 7 people, the car also has a top range and very fast charging.

Volvo EX90 offers long range

The new Volvo EX90 benefits from one of the largest batteries on the market at 11kWh. It powers two electric motors with 496 horsepower and 910Nm of torque in AWD mode. These should be able to move the car on the roads in optimal conditions for around 600 kilometres, and charging should be very fast. If you have a 250 kWh station at your disposal, you should be able to charge between 10 and 80% in just 30 minutes.

But the huge battery can also be used to power other devices in reverse. Volvo has implemented bi-directional power technology, which can back up the electricity needs of a home in the event of a power outage. We’ve been seeing such features on other large electric cars, like the Ford F150 Lightning, lately.

The car is full of sensors, inside and out.

When it comes to sensors, Volvo uses a combination of optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors and LiDAR to constantly monitor everything going on around the car. Pedestrians could thus be detected from distances of up to 250 metres in ideal visibility conditions. Volvo says these technologies could reduce the number of accidents by 9% and reduce the risk of serious injury or death in pedestrian accidents by 20%.

Also inside the car, other sensors such as LiDAR and optical sensors are used to detect whether a child or pet is inside the car. If they are detected, a message will appear on the central screen reminding the driver to leave the window open, or not to leave them in the car.

The same system also monitors the driver’s attention and can warn them that they are tired or distracted. The car can also slow down and stop at the side of the road automatically, and can even call for help in case of an emergency.

The starting price for the Volvo EX90 is about $80,000 US.

source: Engadget