It’s hyperbole season within the automotive world. No sooner had New Atlas reported on Peugeot’s revelation of “the way forward for motoring” (which turned out to be a elaborate idea automotive with an oblong steering wheel) than Volvo revealed “the true which means of freedom to maneuver.”
In fact, it’s our job at New Atlas to decipher all this advertising and marketing jive and discover out what’s actually taking place. It seems Volvo’s grandly verbose prose was prompted by the launch of its new mid-size electrical SUV. The EX60 is “set to be a recreation changer,” say the Swedes. “It’s a brand new premium SUV with a number of usable tech,” say unbiased reviewers.
Let’s have a look at the main points. Headlines have centered across the EX60’s claimed lengthy vary. It’s apparently up there with the brand new BMW i3 and Chinese language newcomers from Nio and Zeekr. The five hundred-mile-plus functionality will not be as simple because it may be, although. Sure, the range-topper claims a formidable 503-mile (810-km) vary on a full battery. Paris to Berlin or Chicago to Nashville with out recharging is an effective promoting level. And the EX60 can add 200+ miles (340 km) of vary in simply 10 minutes when utilizing a 400-kW quick charger.
Volvo
Examine the small print, nonetheless, and there’s a number of batteries concerned, with most mainstream variations providing a 385-mile (619-km) vary. The highest-end additional vary solely comes from a 117-kWh battery, with a hefty premium of round 50% added to the worth tag.
Nonetheless, Volvo – now owned by China’s Geely – has accurately recognized battery vary as the important thing function in present EV gross sales. Therefore particulars just like the EX60’s battery packs being coated by a 10-year guarantee. In the event you dwell in Sweden, you’ll get three years of free dwelling charging, too. Volvo is hinting this may occasionally broaden to different markets, so keep tuned.
Smarter, extra environment friendly batteries are all the craze, after all, however Volvo has additionally used lighter building and extra succesful electrical motors to stretch that vary. Integrating the battery instantly into the automotive construction and creating e-motors in-house have been essential right here.
Volvo
The EX60 is the primary Volvo constructed with the “mega casting” approach. This implies a whole lot of smaller components are changed by a single, high-precision casting to simplify the manufacturing course of. This reduces weight to enhance vary. Volvo’s new 800-volt electrical system and in-house-developed software program additionally make the charging system work extra effectively.
Sensible algorithms developed by Breathe Battery Applied sciences have been integrated as properly. These continually alter how the battery takes in energy, holding it as shut as attainable to its supreme working zone always and in all climate circumstances.
The EX60’s different new options fall into the spectacular gadget class. All are new for Volvo, although not essentially for the remainder of the luxurious electrical car (EV) trade. This consists of inside radar protection to detect extraordinarily small actions, like a child’s respiratory, to forestall youngsters or pets from being by chance left within the automotive.
Then there’s integration of the Google Gemini AI assistant to permit extra pure chats with the infotainment system, software program that allows steady downloads of enhancements and updates, and an array of cameras and sensors reporting to a pc working system able to over 250 trillion operations per second. This energy permits the system to attract on experiences from different Volvo automobiles globally, together with accidents and near-misses, to maintain bettering over time.
Volvo
Volvo has come a good distance because it was recognized for roomy, boxy station wagon autos that signified you have been – or at the least have been contemplating – vegetarianism and proudly owning a Grateful Useless t-shirt. At this time, the model is all about stylish Scandinavian styling and minimalist luxurious. However there’s one trace of old-school Volvo-ism nonetheless current within the EX60.
It incorporates a subtle new step within the evolution of the seat belt, which was initially a Volvo invention in 1959. Volvo will at all times stand in credit score with the world for permitting each different producer free entry to that patent, for one thing that genuinely deserved the title “recreation changer.”
With the 2026 EX60, the seat belt takes one other step ahead with Volvo’s new “multi-adaptive belt.” This makes use of sensors to evaluate the occupant’s bodily traits and seating place. It then neatly adjusts its utility of restraint within the occasion of a crash. The concept relies on evaluation of real-world accidents and the conclusion that tailoring seat belt safety to the person and the severity of the affect improves security.
UK motorists can configure the 2027 EX60 now, with costs beginning at slightly below £57,000 (about US$77,800). We have no phrase on wider availability at the moment.
Supply: Volvo
