Reshaping China's EV Lineup: Volvo's EM90 Electric Minivan

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【Summary】Volvo is introducing its first fully electric minivan, the EM90, in China. The model is designed to provide a comfortable experience for occupants and is expected to be based on the Zeekr 009, featuring advanced battery technology and driver-assist safety features. Volvo aims to reshape its lineup with EVs, including the upcoming EM90, as it transitions to fully electric vehicles by the end of the decade.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 12:05 AM PT

Reshaping China's EV Lineup: Volvo's EM90 Electric Minivan

Volvo has announced its first fully electric minivan, called the EM90, which will be available in China. The upcoming model is designed to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers, described as a "Scandinavian living room on the move." It is expected that the EM90 will be based on the Zeekr 009 MPV, which can seat six people and features CATL's cell-to-pack battery technology. The 009 has impressive acceleration, a low drag coefficient, and advanced driver-assist safety technology.

The Zeekr 009 boasts a strong driving range, with a rating of up to 511 miles on the CLTC cycle. If Volvo maintains the same battery technology, it could equate to around 400 EPA miles, making it a competitive option in terms of range. This luxury minivan arrives at a time when Volvo is shifting its focus away from sedans in certain markets, including the U.K. However, the company has not yet announced similar plans for the U.S. market. With the goal of transitioning to all-electric vehicles by the end of the decade, Volvo is actively reshaping its lineup, including introducing the U.S.-bound EX30 EV.

In recent years, the minivan segment in the U.S. has experienced stagnation, partly due to consumers' preference for SUVs and a lack of innovation in the minivan market. Toyota introduced a hybrid-only Sienna minivan in 2021, offering seating for up to eight people and an impressive fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg. Meanwhile, Chrysler has been offering a plug-in hybrid minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid, since 2017. It provides 32 electric miles on a charge and achieves 30 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Pacifica Hybrid has demonstrated a 24% reduction in lifetime carbon emissions compared to non-hybrid minivans.

Despite the challenges, Chrysler has expressed its commitment to the minivan market and plans to reinvent the minivan once again in electric form in its future lineup. Volvo's EM90 will be officially unveiled on November 12, with pre-orders available for customers in China on the same day.