Volvo has confirmed its new ES90 all-electric saloon will have a 435-mile range and the capability to ultra-rapid charge to add 186 miles in just 10 minutes.
The new model will be fully revealed on March 5 but is expected to replace the S90 in Volvo’s product line-up.
The new all-wheel drive model will come with a 106kWh battery and 800-volt electrical architecture, which can facilitate these ultra-rapid charging speeds.
This new 800-volt system comes with new battery management software and hardware “that goes farther and charges faster than any electric Volvo before”.
Anders Bell, Volvo’s chief engineering and technology officer, said: “Our 800V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move towards full electrification.
“It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster and go farther on a single charge.”
A higher-voltage system means that it can deliver more power (in kilowatts, or kW) and range with the same current as a 400-volt system.
This approach generates less heat, meaning a customer’s battery can be charged faster up to 350kW without overloading the electric system.
Compared to other electric Volvo cars, the brand’s new software cuts the time it takes to charge the ES90 from 10 to 80% by as much as 30%, down to 20 minutes.
This is partly thanks to the integration of adaptive charging software from Breathe Battery Technologies, a company Volvo invested in last year through the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, its corporate venture capital arm.
Further details about Volvo’s next EV and its new battery technology will be revealed next week.