Volvo is close to revealing the ES90, an electric midsize sedan that will introduce several new technologies for the Swedish brand.
One of these is 800-volt technology, which will enable the ES90 to charge faster than any previous Volvo EV—at rates of up to 350 kW—while also improving charging efficiency. This standard is already used by several other automakers, including Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, and Volkswagen.
The EX90 electric midsize SUV that went on sale last year shares the same SPA2 dedicated EV platform as the ES90. However, it still features a 400-volt electrical system. Volvo has designed every component in the ES90’s electrical system to operate on 800 volts, including the battery cells, motors (which are also lighter), inverter, charging, and thermal systems.
This means retrofitting the system to EX90s already on the road is unlikely. However, this won’t be the case for the ES90’s dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin chips, which Volvo said will be offered as a no-cost upgrade to existing EX90 owners.
The new 800-volt system, coupled with Volvo’s latest battery management system, will allow the ES90 to add approximately 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging when using a suitable DC fast charger. A 10-80% charge can also be completed in as little as 20 minutes, according to Volvo.
In comparison, the EX90 adds only 112 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging and requires 30 minutes to charge from 10-80%. These range estimates are based on the WLTP test cycle used overseas and would yield lower figures under the stricter EPA test cycle.
The faster charging is primarily due to reduced heat generation in the battery when operating at 800 volts compared to 400 volts.
Volvo has not disclosed the ES90’s battery size, but the EX90 features a 111-kWh unit.
The ES90 is set to be unveiled on March 5 at an event in Stockholm. If approved for U.S. sale, it will likely arrive as a 2026 model.
The ES90 is just one of five new or updated Volvo models launching this year. Earlier in February, Volvo revealed the rugged EX30 Cross Country and an updated XC60. Additional models expected include an updated S60 compact sedan and a long-range plug-in hybrid tailored for the Chinese market. The current S60 will exit the U.S. market after 2025 and is not expected to return. Volvo has yet to announce U.S. launch timing for these new models.
