Volvo EM90 EV minivan revolutionizes Chinese market

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【Summary】Volvo has announced its first fully electric minivan, the EM90, which will be released in China. The model is designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious experience for passengers. It is expected to be based on the Zeekr 009 MPV and will feature CATL's cell-to-pack battery technology, offering an impressive driving range. Volvo's move towards electric minivans comes as the company aims to reshape its lineup and focus on EVs.

FutureCar Staff Aug 26, 2023 4:38 PM PT

Volvo EM90 EV minivan revolutionizes Chinese market

Volvo has announced its first fully electric minivan, the EM90, and confirmed that it will be available in China. The upcoming model is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers, with Volvo describing it as a "Scandinavian living room on the move." The EM90 is expected to be based on the Zeekr 009 MPV, which seats six and features CATL's cell-to-pack battery technology. The Zeekr 009 boasts impressive acceleration, a drag coefficient of 0.27, and advanced driver-assist safety technology.

The Zeekr 009's battery technology contributes to its impressive driving range, which is rated at up to 511 miles on the CLTC cycle. If Volvo maintains the same battery technology, it is likely that the EM90 will offer around 400 EPA miles. This is significant as Volvo aims to transition its entire lineup to electric vehicles by the end of the decade. The luxury minivan arrives at a time when Volvo is shifting its focus away from sedans in certain markets, as it seeks to reshape its lineup and cater to the growing demand for EVs.

The minivan segment in the U.S. has experienced stagnation in recent years, with consumers opting for SUVs instead. Lack of innovation in the minivan segment has also contributed to its decline. However, Toyota introduced a hybrid-only Sienna in 2021, offering seating for up to eight and an impressive fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg. Chrysler has also entered the market with the plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which provides 32 electric miles of range and a 30 mpg combined rating in hybrid mode. The Pacifica Hybrid offers a 24% reduction in lifetime carbon emissions compared to non-hybrid minivans.

Despite the challenges faced by the minivan market, Volvo is confident in the potential of the EM90. The company will unveil the minivan on November 12 and will begin accepting pre-orders for customers in China on the same day. With its focus on electric vehicles and commitment to innovation, Volvo aims to revitalize the minivan segment and provide a compelling option for customers seeking practical and environmentally friendly transportation.