Reshaping China's EV Lineup with 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 expected to be based on the Zeekr 009 MPV and will feature CATL's cell-to-pack battery tech. The EM90 is designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious experience for passengers. Volvo aims to reshape its lineup with electric vehicles, as it plans to transition all sales to electric by the end of the decade.

FutureCar Staff Aug 24, 2023 4:16 PM PT

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

Volvo has announced its first fully electric minivan, called the EM90, which will be available in China. The Swedish automaker describes the upcoming model as a mobile Scandinavian living room, designed to optimize the time spent in the car.

The EM90 is expected to be based on the Zeekr 009 MPV, a six-seater model that features CATL's cell-to-pack battery technology. The Zeekr 009 boasts impressive performance, with an acceleration of under 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a drag coefficient of 0.27. It also incorporates advanced driver-assist safety technology from Mobileye.

The driving range of the Zeekr 009 is a key strength, with an estimated CLTC-cycle range of up to 511 miles, which is likely to translate to around 400 EPA miles if Volvo maintains the same battery technology for the EM90 and considers U.S. sales.

This luxury minivan arrives at a time when Volvo is shifting its focus away from sedans in certain markets. While it has recently decided to discontinue sedan models in the UK, it has not yet made a similar announcement for the U.S. market. However, with plans to transition to an all-electric lineup by the end of the decade, Volvo is clearly reshaping its vehicle offerings, including the upcoming U.S.-bound Chinese-made EX30 EV.

The minivan segment in the U.S. has experienced stagnation in recent years, largely due to the popularity of rugged SUVs and a lack of innovation in the minivan segment. Toyota introduced a hybrid-only Sienna in 2021, which can seat up to eight passengers and achieves a fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg.

Although the U.S. market already offers a plug-in minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Volvo's EM90 will provide a new fully electric option. Since 2017, the Pacifica Hybrid has offered 32 miles of electric range, followed by 30 mpg in hybrid mode. The hybrid model has demonstrated a 24% reduction in lifetime carbon emissions compared to non-hybrid minivans. Chrysler has indicated its intention to continue innovating in the minivan market, with plans to introduce an electric minivan in its future lineup.

The official unveiling of the Volvo EM90 is scheduled for November 12, 2023, and pre-orders will be available for customers in China on the same day.