The Volvo ES90 will arrive soon as an upscale electric sedan with impressive range numbers and advanced driver-assistance tech, but the big story with the new car has to do with its electrical architecture. Volvo said the ES90 will land as its first vehicle with 800-volt architecture, allowing super-fast charging.
The car promises 435 miles of range on the WLTP test cycle, but it’s good to remember that the EPA’s estimates are generally much more conservative. Even so, getting anywhere close to 400 miles on a charge would make the ES90 one of the longest-range EVs on sale.
Most new EVs feature a 400-volt electric architecture, but the 800-volt system promised by Volvo will enable the ES90 to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes. The technology is slowly creeping into the market, with new EVs from Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, and others opting for 800-volt over 400-volt architectures.
Advantages of an 800-volt system include the ability to charge faster without needing heavier cables. It is also more efficient than 400-volt architectures, reducing heat loss during charging.
The ES90 will also feature the sensor array and other tech that enable advanced driver-assistance features, including hands-free driving. That said, we don’t know much about the car otherwise, including its battery size or pricing. Volvo will release more specs, including EPA range estimates, closer to the car’s launch.
[Images: Volvo]
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