Missed opportunity?
As a car manufacturer, you can now do good business again with an electric MPV. At least, in China. That is exactly the reason why Volvo is launching such an electric space giant in China. This is the electric Volvo EM90!
In Europe you have to look for MPVs with a magnifying glass according to the traditional recipe. Electric MPVs are even rarer. Volkswagen supplies the electric ID Buzz and with that car it banishes the concept of the classic space giants of yesteryear, although the ID model is also a passenger car version of a commercial vehicle. In the United States and various Asian countries, there is much more choice when it comes to MPVs, especially in China. Various manufacturers even supply electric MPVs there. Today it is Volvo that comes with such a model. This is the electric Volvo EM90, an MPV that – unfortunately? – does not come to Europe.
The Zeekr 009 of which the Volvo EM90 is a sister model.
The Volvo EM90 is actually Volvo’s version of the 009, an electric MPV from sister brand Zeekr. Volvo markets the EM90 as one premium MPV, a car in which, according to the brand, you should be able to relax and “[…] you can spend time with your loved ones.” The EM90 should therefore above all make its occupants feel at home. No sporting aspirations for the EM90. Space, comfort and a homely atmosphere were therefore high on the priority list during the development of the car.
Volvo EM90
In profile, the Volvo EM90 is very similar to its sister model from Zeekr. just look at the window. Parent company Geely has given the Volvo EM90 a typical Volvo front that establishes family ties with cars such as the EX30 and EX90. We see Volvo signature and meg segmented LED lighting filled ‘Thor hammer’ headlights and a really huge closed panel with a gigantic Volvo logo on it. This panel – which should resemble a grille – is interspersed with LED lights. Even the Volvo logo is illuminated. The buttocks are also different from that of the Zeekr 009, although you can see parts of that car in the shape of the rear lights. As with the EX30 and EX90, part of the headlights dips into the window pillars. A difference with the 009.
Volvo EM90
The Volvo EM90 is 5.21 meters long, 2.02 meters wide and 1.86 meters high. The wheelbase is a generous 3.2 meters. There is a large battery pack in the bottom with a capacity of 116 kWh. It supplies a 272 hp electric motor with power. This combination gives the ballroom an electric range of 738 kilometers. Please note: this has been determined according to the Chinese CLTC method, which differs from the WLTP cycle. In 8.3 seconds, the colossus, weighing more than 2,500 kilos, zooms from a standstill to a speed of 100 km/h. Bi-directional charging is possible.
According to Volvo, the EM90 – which is equipped with an extensive package of cameras, lidars and radars – is internally thanks to noise cancellingtechnology particularly quiet. More comfort-technical pampering comes from the air suspension and the necessary delicacies such as an extensive audio system, extensively adjustable furniture – complete with footstools – and a 15.4-inch infotainment screen. But there’s more. Rear passengers benefit from a fold-out 15.6-inch display mounted on the ceiling.
Volvo reports that the EM90 will first be launched in China. The Dutch importer previously told AutoWeek that the Volvo EM90 will not come to the Netherlands. A missed opportunity?
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl