Amit Saraswat 
After nearly two years of anticipation, the all-electric Volvo EX90 has begun rolling off the production line. The first Denim Blue SUV has emerged from Volvo’s Charleston, South Carolina factory, destined for a lucky American customer. Customer deliveries will officially kick off in the latter half of 2024.
Volvo’s initial plan was to launch the EX90 in early 2024. However, the company encountered software gremlins, a hurdle that has tripped up several car manufacturers and delayed new vehicle launches. The EX90, unveiled in November 2022, marks Volvo’s foray into the three-row electric SUV segment. It acts as a counterpart to the existing petrol-powered XC90. This electric leviathan sits on a new platform and boasts a substantial 111.0-kWh battery pack. The official range figures are yet to be revealed.
The top-of-the-range Twin Motor Performance trim packs a punch with 516 PS and 910 Nm of torque, propelling the EX90 from 0 to 100kmph in a brisk 4.7 seconds. The base Twin Motor variant offers 407 PS and 770 Nm of torque, taking a second longer to reach 100kmph from a standstill. With a starting price of USD 77,990 (including destination charge), the EX90 positions itself as a premium electric SUV option.
Volvo emphasises safety as a core tenet of the EX90, claiming it to be their safest car ever built. The vehicle is brimming with technology, featuring a comprehensive sensor suite. An external 360-degree camera system is complemented by five radar sensors and a whopping 16 ultrasonic sensors. This comprehensive setup aims to provide the driver with a clear picture of the surroundings and enable quicker reaction times. Inside, a large 14.5-inch central infotainment screen boasts built-in Google apps and services, enhancing the driving experience.
Volvo’s Charleston plant, which also produces the S60 saloon, boasts a production capacity of 150,000 cars annually. This ramp-up is crucial as Volvo aims to sell a staggering 600,000 electric vehicles by 2025. The arrival of the EX90 marks a significant step towards Volvo’s electric future.
