Many electric vehicles now offer impressive driving ranges, but charging speed remains a challenge that automakers are working to overcome. One of the most effective ways to achieve faster charging is through higher-voltage electrical systems. Early adopters of 800-volt architectures, like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, leveraged this technology to maximize the potential of 350-kW DC fast chargers.
Volvo is now joining this trend. Just a year after introducing its full-size electric SUV, the EX90, the company has upgraded the model’s 400-volt system to an 800-volt architecture. Alongside the voltage boost, Volvo has added a range of new features—some of which are even available as upgrades for 2025 models, allowing current owners to benefit from the improvements.
It’s the Second Volvo to Receive the System
Volvo first introduced its new 800-volt electrical architecture with the ES90 fastback crossover back in March. This makes the EX90 the second model to feature the system. In the U.S., however, the EX90 will be the first to benefit from it, as Volvo has yet to confirm whether the ES90 will be offered in the market.
- Charging Details
- A Volvo representative gave us additional details about charging speeds for the EX90. The text has been updated with that information.
Volvo provided details on how the new 800-volt architecture enhances charging performance. The estimated time to charge from 10% to 80% has been reduced to 22 minutes—an improvement of eight minutes over the current EX90. Volvo also claims the system can add roughly 155 miles of range in just 10 minutes, though it didn’t specify whether this figure is based on WLTP or EPA testing cycles. While overall battery capacity has slightly decreased from 111 kWh to 106 kWh, the range appears largely unaffected. The company didn’t confirm the exact model used for testing but offered an estimated range of 305 miles, neatly falling between the high and low EPA projections for the 2025 EX90.
Volvo also provided figures to back up its claim that the updated EX90 is quicker. According to a company representative, the EX90 can now accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds—0.7 seconds faster than the outgoing Performance trim. Specific power output numbers have not been disclosed.
The New Computer and Safety Features Aren’t Limited to the Latest Model
In addition to the upgraded electrical system, Volvo has equipped the EX90 with a new main computer from Nvidia, which is more powerful than the 2025 version. This enhanced processing capability has enabled several advanced safety features. The emergency steering system now functions at both night and day, and the vehicle can download real-time information about road hazards. Furthermore, if the system detects that the driver is no longer monitoring the driving situation, it can safely bring the car to a stop and initiate an emergency call.
While Volvo cannot retrofit the new 800-volt electrical system into existing EX90s, it can upgrade the main computer. In fact, the company will provide this computer upgrade for free on 2025 EX90 models. This is notable, as it’s rare for automakers to make hardware upgrades to older vehicles outside of recalls—let alone at no cost. Owners of 2025 EX90s can therefore enjoy all the new safety features and improved computer performance without paying a dime.
Volvo has also introduced one more feature, borrowed from the ES90: an electrochromic panoramic sunroof. With the touch of a button, the sunroof can transition from transparent to opaque, eliminating the need for a traditional fabric sunshade.
