Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Volvo EX90 Electric SUV
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. The Volvo electric vehicle (EV) current portfolio includes:
- C40 Recharge Pure Electric Crossover
- EX30 Pure Electric SUV
- Volvo EX90 Pure Electric SUV
- XC40 Recharge Pure Electric SUV
- XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- S60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
- S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Saloon
- V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate
- V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Estate
Volvo continues to push ahead with its vision to become a truly electrified automotive manufacturer with the launch of its third pure electric SUV. For those new to electric driving, pure electric cars are also referred to as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). BEVs are zero-tailpipe emission electric vehicles (EVs), powered by electric propulsion.
SUVs in general have been gaining popularity over the past few years, as both, families and businesses take advantage of the practicality and style, these body types can offer. However, with the introduction of electric SUVs, the popularity has increased further, due to the improved environmental credentials of electric driving.
Though the recent 48 months has witnessed an increased availability of pure and plug-in hybrid electric SUVs, seven-seater pure electric SUVs are still limited. Therefore, the Volvo EX90 7-seater electric SUV is well positioned for success, given the enviable reputation of Volvo Cars, in relation to safety and reliability.
The all-electric EX90 EV has much to offer those keen to migrate to electric driving. Firstly, the e-SUV offers a practical and useful pure electric range. Volvo claims a range up to 600 km (WLTP) on a full charge, which is quite similar to the range of the all-electric Mercedes EQS SUV (587 km). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the EX90 should be able to deliver over 480 km on a full charge.
The Volvo EX90 has a 111 kWh onboard EV battery (107 kWh Usable), and is available in only one EV battery size. Like most electric vehicles, the EV battery is placed below the floor, to lower the centre of gravity and to increase the interior cabin space. The EV is capable up to 250 kW DC ultra-rapid charging and can achieve 10% to 80% charge in 30 minutes.
Of course, the key is to find an ultra-rapid public charging station en route. For the more widespread 50 kW DC rapid chargers, the EV can be charged up to 80% in 97 minutes.
The EV does incorporate a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard (0%-100%: 11 hours). Given that most homes in India are powered by single-phase power supply, most of us will not be able to take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger. Single-phase EV charging (7.4 kW) will take longer!
The Volvo EX90 also offers Bi-directional charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G). We can expect Bi-directional charging to become more commonplace, as EVs develop to the next generation. Bidirectional charging allows the electric vehicle to be used to power the home (vehicle-to-home: V2H) or even to sell energy to the grid. It can also be used to power other devices (vehicle-to-load: V2L) or even charge another electric car (vehicle-to-vehicle: V2V).
The all-electric Volvo SUV is perfect for families already familiar with the advantages of owning and driving a Volvo car i.e. a fantastic reputation for safety and quality. However, the manufacturer has further enhanced its reputation for safety in the EX90.
The EV has fitted on its roof one of the most advanced sensor sets, a cutting-edge roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, which comprises: five radars, eight cameras, two interior cameras and 16 ultrasonic sensors. This is part of the company’s vision of Zero Collision in new Volvo Cars. The LiDAR system maps out via in-house developed software a highly accurate image of the EVs surrounding environment, therefore, enhancing the vehicle safety.
The Volvo EX90 is available in two powertrain variants. The all-wheel drive Twin Motor and the all-wheel drive Twin Motor Performance. The Twin Motor can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (maximum power: 408 HP/ torque: 770 Nm).
The higher performance variant, the Twin Motor Performance, can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (maximum power: 517 HP/ torque: 910 Nm). The top speed for the EV is 180 km/h. Of course, the electric car also benefits from instant torque and also offers one-pedal driving. The EV has a towing capacity up to 2,200 kg.
Volvo has kept the exterior styling close to its core ‘minimalism’ design philosophy. According to the manufacturer, the EX90 exterior design improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. The EV has a 0.29 Cd Drag coefficient. The seven-seater e-SUV is practical.
The rear seats (including the third row) are comfortable for adults, with ample legroom and headroom. The EV offers a 365 L boot space behind the third row and up to 655 L behind the second row. The EV also offers a frunk (front storage compartment).
Volvo has incorporated a 14.5 inch centre infotainment screen, with Google built in. Google apps and services like, Google Assistant, Google Maps etc, are included. The EX90 is also compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay. Phone key technology is also standard, with your smartphone being enabled to function as a ‘car key’.
The company has been keen to further enhance its approach to sustainable materials for production of the EV. This includes 15% recycled steel, 25% recycled aluminium, 48 kilograms of recycled plastics and more!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Volvo EX90 electric SUV is not available in India.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Class-leading pure electric range. Practical (7-seater) | Only available in one EV battery size |
250 kW DC rapid charging and three-phase onboard charger as standard | Expensive |
Filled with latest technology: LiDAR, V2L, V2G, V2V | Minimalist exterior styling may not appeal to everyone |
The All-Electric Volvo EX90 SUV (credit: Volvo)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Trim (1 Option) |
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Volvo EX90 (from Rs N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 111 kWh |
Charging: | 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
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 | |
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Height (mm): | 1747 |
Width (mm): | 1964 |
Length (mm): | 5037 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2985 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
Boot Space (L): | 365 |
Volvo EX90 Twin Motor | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 111 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 600 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km): | N/A |
Charging: | 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.7 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 300 |
Horsepower (hp): | 408 |
Torque (Nm): | 770 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 7 |
Doors: | 5 |
Weight (kg): | 2,818 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 111 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 600 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km): | N/A |
Charging: | 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 4.7 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 380 |
Horsepower (hp): | 517 |
Torque (Nm): | 910 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 7 |
Doors: | 5 |
Weight (kg): | 2,818 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Solar And EV Charging: An Overview
The benefits of renewable energy, in particular, solar and wind energy, is already well established in India and in other parts of the world. With the increase in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) over the past three years, the advantages of using clean and renewable energy has been further enhanced.
Firstly, on-site renewable energy systems can be used for powering, both, business premises and homes. For on-site generation, we have witnessed a significant increase in distributed clean energy generating plants i.e. many commercial buildings and residential buildings have become generators i.e. generating electricity on-site! Solar roof projects have been popular for such on-site generation installations.
The war in Ukraine has further amplified the need to develop energy security, not only at a national level, but also at a local level, to include, businesses and households. Those households and businesses that already generate and consume clean energy on-site have been spared the significant onslaught of energy price rise in 2022 and 2023.
Installing solar panels on-site, mitigates the risks associated with energy price inflation, a significant contributor to costs for a business or a household. On-site renewable energy generation also impacts the environment positively. For those with electric vehicles (EVs), in particular, pure electric vehicles, we strongly encourage the use of renewable energy for EV charging. Of course, we also encourage the use of solar energy for charging a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Apart from the significant cost benefit i.e. generating renewable energy is a nominal cost per kWh (after initial set-up/ installation costs), to achieve true zero-tailpipe emission electric driving, renewable energy needs to be used for EV charging. This is also known as ‘well-to-wheel’. Just one electric car on the road can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2.
The good news for electric car owners is that a number of EV charging stations are now compatible with solar/ wind generation and battery storage. The UK based manufacturer myenergi zappi is a good example of a solar/ wind compatible EV charger.
We encourage business and households to adopt an on-site ecosystem of ‘renewable energy-battery storage-EV charging’, to gain the maximum from the advantages of low carbon generation and zero-emission electric driving. Bottom-line, renewable energy is good for the environment and the wallet!
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