Overview
Sweden has created its fair share of global brands, but none with a reputation as good as Volvo Cars, when it comes to passenger safety. Volvo cars is an automotive manufacturer based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Volvo Group has a long history of success and was established in 1927. Since then the company has had multiple owners, to include the US based, Ford Motor Company. Its current owner is a Chinese automotive behemoth, Geely Automobile, which acquired Volvo Cars in 2010. Geely also owns the automotive brands Lotus Cars and Polestar.
Volvo Cars was one of the first mainstream OEM’s to commit to a push towards zero-tailpipe emission road transportation. In 2017, the company announced its intention to ‘electrify every car in our range’. Volvo is not new to ‘electric propulsion’ and had already deployed a test fleet of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2010 and had launched the first plug-in hybrid diesel car in 2012. In March 2021, the company announced its ambition to be a fully electric brand by 2030. The company is also committed to becoming ‘climate neutral’ across the value chain by 2040. The name Volvo is derived from Latin. It means “I roll’. The logo is an ancient chemistry sign for iron, signifying Volvo’s commitment to using high quality iron.
The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- All-electric Volvo C40 Recharge
- All-electric Volvo EX90
- All-electric Volvo EX30
- All-electric Volvo ES90
- All-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge
- Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
- Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
- Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
- Volvo S60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
- Volvo S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
- Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
- Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
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The All-Electric Volvo ES90 Saloon
Though many of you will be familiar with the conventional Volvo S90, the all-electric Volvo ES90 has very little in common with the S90 internal combustion engine (ICE) model (production ceased globally in 2024). The Volvo ES90 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) executive saloon has been developed on the SPA2 platform (Scalable Product Architecture). The all-electric Volvo EX90 also uses the same platform architecture. Going forward, all Volvo electric cars will use the SPA platform.
It is worth noting that the all-electric Polestar 3 also uses the SPA2 platform. Essentially, the Volvo pure electric cars will be based on the same fundamental core of systems, modules, software and hardware, also referred to as the ‘Volvo Cars Superset tech stack’. Volvo is now working on the next-generation SPA3 platform. The first Volvo EV to be built on the SPA3 platform will be the midsize all-electric EX60 SUV.
The ES90 is the first pure electric saloon from Volvo, which was revealed in March 2025. So far Volvo’s pure electric car portfolio has been focussed on SUVs. It is good to see Volvo introducing an all-electric family saloon car. The premium ES90 EV has incorporated some SUV, fastback and hatchback elements in its design language. Volvo is keen to leverage as many learnings from its current BEVs. As an example, the ES90 has a higher ground clearance, similar to a SUV, to enhance the driving position for the driver.
The ES90 continues to echo Volvo’s core themes: minimalism (‘less is more’), sustainability and safety. The exterior styling of the electric saloon is appealing, enhanced by its coupe-style roofline, which further improves the aerodynamic drag coefficient (efficiency) of the electric vehicle (EV). In fact, the ES90 is the most aerodynamic Volvo car yet, with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25. Having said that, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 saloon has a far lower drag coefficient ( Cd 0.21). The lower the drag coefficient, the higher the efficiency of the EV, resulting in lower energy consumption and increased electric range.
The pure electric ES90 is the first Volvo electric car to incorporate the 800V technology architecture. The BEV is available in two EV battery sizes: the entry-level 92 kWh (single motor), and the 106 kWh (twin motor) variant. According to Volvo, the 92 kWh has a 404 miles (WLTP) range, while the 106 kWh has a 435 miles (WLTP) e-range. Adjusting for real-world driving conditions, you can expect the 92 kWh variant to achieve up to 350 miles on a single charge, and for the 106 kWh expect up to 375 miles. In any case, all variants offer more than adequate electric range, for both, day-to-day driving needs in a city and also for longer distance motorway driving. The manufacturer claims an electricity consumption between 25.9-27.5 kWh/100miles. A heat pump is standard on all variants, further enhancing the e-range! Also standard is battery pre-conditioning.
In comparison, the all-electric BMW i5 saloon, is available in one EV battery size (83.9 kWh), with a claimed WLTP range up to 357 miles. The all-electric Mercedes EQE saloon offers up to 90.6 kWh, with a claimed 384 miles (WLTP) e-range. Though not as premium as Volvo, BMW and Mercedes, the all-electric BYD Seal saloon incorporates a 82.56 kWh on board EV battery with a claimed range up to 354 miles (WLTP). The BYD Seal is certainly worth considering for families and companies seeking a more affordable pure electric saloon, without compromising on quality and reliability.
The Volvo ES90 has a 11 kW AC (three-phase) onboard AC charger as standard. As most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase AC power supply, EV charging will be limited to 7.4 kW AC (single-phase). For those with access to three-phase EV charging, the 92 kWh variant can be charged 0%-100% in 8 hours, while the 106 kWh can be fully charged in 10 hours. Single-phase EV charging will take longer. Bi-directional EV charging is standard on all variants.
We at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated smart solar compatible EV charger for home charging. e-zoomed offers a wide range of high quality residential EV chargers (supply and installation). The ES90 BEV offers up to 350 kW DC charging capability. The EV can be charged 10%-80% in 20 mins. Volvo offers as standard a 8 years or 100,000 miles EV battery warranty up to 70% of original capacity. Though this is now the industry standard, some automotive manufacturers offer even a longer EV battery warranty period.
We at e-zoomed encourage EV owners to install on-site (home or business) solar PV and battery storage. It is a fantastic way to leverage the potential for lower cost of ownership of an electric car, and also achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. We at e-zoomed offer a number of fantastic solar PV and battery storage bundle offers!
In terms of dimensions, the ES90 is 5.0m long and 1.54m tall (1.94m wide). In comparison, the BMW i5 is 5.06m long and 1.51m tall. And the Mercedes EQE is 4.94m long and 1.50m tall. The ES90 has a 22 L frunk (perfect for storing a shorter length EV cable) and a 446 L boot (up to 1,256 L with rear seats folded down). In comparison, the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE have a 490 L and 430 L boot, respectively. The ES90 offers ample practical interior space (legroom and headroom), along with practical internal storage.
Of particular liking is the hatchback style tailgate, further enhancing the practicality of the EV, given the increased boot aperture (a power tailgate comes as standard). A panoramic glass roof is also standard on all variants. On some variants an electrochromic panoramic roof comes as standard, perfect for adjusting the transparency of the glass to reduce the glare from the sun. We recommend it!
As one can expect from Volvo, the ES90 electric saloon incorporates a number of sustainability measures to reduce the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The EV uses 29% recycled aluminium, 18% recycled steel and 16% recycled polymers and bio-based materials. It is important to note that pure electric cars have far lower life-cycle emissions compared to conventional petrol and diesel cars. In fact, electric cars offer the potential to reduce life-cycle emissions by 75% compared to petrol and diesel cars, to include production and decommissioning. And let’s not forget electric cars also have zero-tailpipe emissions, improving local air quality. All excellent reasons to choose electric driving, instead of polluting internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
The BEV is available in three powertrain options. The single motor variant is rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the twin motor and twin motor performance variants are both all-wheel drive (AWD). The entry-level single motor (92 kWh) can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds (maximum power: 333 HP/ torque: 480 Nm), while the (106 kWh) twin motor can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds (maximum power: 449 HP/ torque: 670 Nm). The top-of-the range, twin motor performance can achieve 0-62 mph in 4.0 seconds (maximum power: 680 HP/ torque: 870 Nm). All variants have a top speed up to 112 mph. The EV incorporates one-pedal driving as standard. For the driver there is good all-round visibility, given the higher driving position.
The Volvo ES90 has yet to be awarded the Euro NCAP Safety Rating. But of course, Volvo has a very strong reputation for safety. We expect the ES90 to continue this trend and be awarded a five-star rating. The EV offers a number of safety features and technology as standard. Some of these include: run-off road mitigation, collision avoidance and mitigation, pedestrian and cyclist steering avoidance, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera with 3D view, safe space technology, blind spot information system, one lidar, five radars, seven cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors and more.
Other technology as standard include: 14.5″ touchscreen display (centre screen), 9″ driver display and head-up display, wireless charging, Google Assistant, Google Maps, OTA and 5G. Wireless Apple CarPlay does not come as standard. The ES90 is the first Volvo car to be powered by a dual NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin configuration, making the EV, Volvo’s most powerful car in terms of computing power. It can complete 508 trillion operations per second – an eightfold improvement in performance compared to the previous generation. Volvo is keen to emphasise its leadership position in ‘software-defined cars’.
The interior cabin is luxurious, as can be expected from a premium price. The exterior styling is attractive, amplified by Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and the C-shaped LED rear lamps. It terms of exterior colours, as expected Volvo offers a more subtle palette. We like the denim blue!
Is the Volvo ES90 a good car? We believe the premium electric saloon car has much to offer, in particular, for those consumers seeking a luxurious, capable and practical zero-tailpipe emission saloon electric car. However, for those with limited budgets there are other more affordable e-saloon options. Prices for the ES90 start from £69,650.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax rate for pure electric cars. Electric cars can be leased via e-zoomed at fantastic prices (to include salary sacrifice offers). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good EV battery size and electric range | Cheaper alternatives available |
| Good level of on board equipment and technology as standard: to include, heat pump & V2L | Limited physical controls |
| Up to 350 kW DC and 11 kW AC charging | Options are expensive |
Gallery
The All-Electric Volvo ES90 Saloon (credit: Volvo)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Saloon |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Volvo ES90 Single Motor Extended Range (from £69,650) |
| Volvo ES90 Twin Motor (from £83,250) |
| Volvo ES90 Twin Motor Performance (from £87,850) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | LFP/ NMC |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 92 kWh/ 106 kWh |
| Charging: | 300-350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs 0 mins)/ (0%-100%: 10 hrs 0 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
| Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
| Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
| Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
| Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
| Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
| Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
| Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1549 |
| Width (mm): | 1942 |
| Length (mm): | 5000 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 3102 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12 |
| Boot Space (L): | 446 (up to 1,256 L with rear seats folded down) |
| Frunk (L): | 22 |
| Volvo ES90 Single Motor Extended Range | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 92 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 404 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100miles): | 25.9 |
| Charging: | 300 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs 0 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 112 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 245 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 333 |
| Torque (Nm): | 480 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Weight (kg): | 2,441 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 1,600 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Insurance: | N/A |
| Volvo ES90 Twin Motor | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 106 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 435 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100miles): | 27.5 |
| Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 10 hrs 0 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 112 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 330 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 449 |
| Torque (Nm): | 670 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Weight (kg): | 2,628 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 2,000 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Insurance: | N/A |
| Volvo ES90 Twin Motor Performance | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 106 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 435 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100miles): | 27.5 |
| Charging: | 350 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 10 hrs 0 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 112 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 4.0 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 500 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 680 |
| Torque (Nm): | 870 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Weight (kg): | 2,628 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 2,000 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Insurance: | N/A |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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