Volvo EX60 Aims to Lead EV Market with Impressive Range and Features
Volvo is determined to recover from the challenges faced by its EX90 and EX30 EVs, which suffered from software glitches and unfinished features. Now, the Swedish automaker is pushing to prove itself in the electric car market.
The EX60 is the most significant model Volvo has launched since the second-generation XC60, which has been its top seller since 2017. Just like the XC60, the EX60 is designed to cater to a wide range of drivers. In the EV world, this means focusing on range and charging speeds. Volvo has spared no effort in making the EX60 a standout.
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The EX60, set to be revealed on January 21, boasts an estimated 400-mile range. Volvo says it used the EPA procedure for its estimate, though it has not yet been EPA-rated. For European customers, the EX60 will have a WLTP range of 810 kilometers. These numbers apply to the all-wheel-drive version, which is rare in this market. Volvo claims this model leads the class in driving distance.
The longest-range Tesla Model Y, the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive variant, has a 357-mile range. The BMW iX3 (all-wheel drive) and the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV (rear-wheel drive) both come close, with 400-mile ranges on the EPA cycle. Volvo’s EX60, however, holds the record for its longest-range EV to date.
EV Technology: Efficiency and Fast Charging
The EX60 uses gigacasting technology, commonly seen in brands like Tesla and BYD. Its new SPA3 architecture supports 800-volt systems, allowing for ultra-fast charging. Volvo promises that the EX60 can gain 168 miles of range in just 10 minutes with a 400-kilowatt charger. It can also add 100 miles of range in just a few minutes.
These figures are promising, though full details are yet to be confirmed. The company has also developed the electric motors in-house, optimizing them for both efficiency and weight. The car’s lightweight body contributes to its overall performance.
Battery Durability and Warranty
Volvo has not disclosed the size of the EX60’s battery. However, all EX60 buyers will receive a 10-year warranty on the battery. It is expected that Volvo will offer various battery capacities, including an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) version. LFP batteries are known for their longevity and cost-effectiveness but may have slightly lower energy density compared to other battery chemistries.
The EX60 is likely to be a seven-seater. A photo of the trunk shows folding seats and deep storage, similar to the Tesla Model Y. If this turns out to be true, the EX60 will stand out as one of the few three-row compact crossover EVs in the U.S. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a potential competitor, but Tesla’s Model Y only offers a five-seat configuration in the U.S.
Volvo’s EX60 promises to be a major contender in the EV market, with significant advancements in both range and charging technology.
