Volvo ES90 with 800 Volts: Charge Faster and Drive Further in the Sedan
The Swedish-Chinese car manufacturer Volvo is responding to criticism of the moderate charging capabilities of its flagship model EX90 by introducing the sedan counterpart ES90, the first vehicle with 800-volt charging technology. Compared to the 400-volt technology, the system improves charging efficiency, shortens charging times, and, in conjunction with new software and hardware for battery management, promises more range, according to the Geely subsidiary. As a result, the ES90 should offer a range of up to 700 kilometers with a full battery (WLTP combined). At 350-kW fast-charging stations, additional energy for 300 kilometers should be chargeable in ten minutes. The new all-electric sedan will be presented for the first time on March 5, 2025.
"On the road to full electrification, our 800-volt technology is another important upgrade for our customers," promotes Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Volvo Cars. "It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps with faster charging, and ensures that you can go further on a single charge."
More voltage – that is, 800 instead of 400 volts – means that with the same current, more power (in kilowatts or kW) and range are delivered, according to the Swedes. At the same time, less heat is generated. This allows the battery to be charged with up to 350 kW without overloading the electrical system. To be compatible with the 800-volt system, all components of the electrical system were updated, including battery cells, electric motors, inverters, charging, as well as air conditioning and heating systems.
Complete component update, lighter engines
The 800-volt system also includes lighter electric motors and additional components. This reduces the overall weight of the vehicle while improving acceleration and range. The new internally developed software for battery management ensures a "more robust charging experience," as it is stated. Charging the new Volvo ES90 from ten to 80 percent takes 20 minutes. This is partly thanks to the integration of adaptive charging software from Breathe Battery Technologies, in which an investment was made last year through its venture capital arm, Volvo Cars Tech Fund.
Generally Better Environmental Balance
The new Volvo ES90 is said to have made progress in other sustainability areas as well, particularly in the use of recycled and natural materials that contribute to lower CO2 emissions in production. 29 percent of the aluminum used and 18 percent of the steel are recycled. The model also contains 16 percent recycled polymers and bio-based materials. The wood inlays in the interior are made from FSC-certified wood. Furthermore, the battery passport provides information about the raw materials contained in the battery: It is based on blockchain technology, which enables traceability of the materials used. The passport ensures transparency for the customer, highlighting where the lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite used in the battery come from, and also shows the CO2 footprint of the entire battery pack as well as other relevant information.
Translated automatically from German.