The Volvo EX90 The electric SUV has been delayed again.
Volvo Car CEO Jim Rowan has confirmed during the company’s latest quarterly report presentation that production of the EX90 has been pushed back another 5-6 months due to software issues surrounding its LiDAR system.
While this delay in production could delay the start of customer deliveries of the Volvo EX90 in some markets, a Volvo Car Australia spokesperson said the announcement would have no bearing on the start of Australian arrivals, which are still set for late 2024.
Production of the Volvo EX90 was originally intended to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, but has now been pushed back twice. It will be made in the US and in China.
The Volvo EX90 is the first vehicle from the Swedish automaker to offer LiDAR (acronym for light detection and ranging), which uses pulses of laser light to display images of things around the vehicle. In conjunction with sensors and cameras, it is claimed to create a “real-time, 360-degree view of the world”.
“We write a lot [the] own software,” said Mr. Rowan during the presentation of the quarterly report.
“We want to make sure that the first time we put LiDAR into our security stack, it operates the way it should.”
Mr Rowan added Volvo engineers needed “a little more time to work it out”.
The Volvo EX90 was first revealed in November 2022 and has an evolutionary design reminiscent of the car it is destined to replace.
Based on the new Volvo EV architecture, the EX90 will be launched in a large size 111kWh battery pack driving two permanent magnet motors – means all-wheel drive – with a system output of up to 380kW and 910Nm.
Volvo promises the launch of the EX90 will have a driving range up to 600km on the WLTP test cycle, and will be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.
Earlier this year Volvo Car Australia director of public relations Greg Bosnich told Car Expert customers are lining up to put their names down for the EX90 even without local pricing and specs.
“We have already received several orders [deposits] already. Even without any specifications or price – it’s already in the double digits,” said Mr Bosnich.
Volvo will follow a similar format with the launch of the all-electric XC40 Recharge to take customer orders with both retailers and online portals offering ordering opportunities.
“I think retailers will always have an element of engagement, but it’s the same as our other electric vehicles. We are going online and the idea is that Volvo wants to have a direct relationship with the consumer,” said Mr Bosnich.
“We’ve done it with the XC40 Recharge, we’ve done it with the C40 Recharge and we’re going to follow that format with the new and exciting EX90.”
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