Author: GasanZammit Editor

Fast charging gets even easier for all-electric Volvo drivers Volvo Cars is making public charging more convenient in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region by expanding access to Tesla Supercharging. From the fourth quarter of this year, Volvo drivers will be able to use the company’s app to charge their fully electric Volvo at more than 20,000 Tesla Supercharger stations across Europe. This gives the drivers easier and more convenient access to Tesla Superchargers in 29 European countries*, with the majority located in key markets such as Germany, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Spain. Volvo Cars is also planning to transition selected models to the North American Charging System** in key Asia-Pacific markets, namely Japan and South Korea, by 2029***. This will give access to the Tesla Supercharger network for Volvo drivers in those markets in the future. “Volvo drivers already have access to over three million charging points globally through the Volvo app,” says Alejandro Castro Pérez, Head of Energy Solutions at Volvo Cars. “Adding Tesla Superchargers in Europe means they now have even easier access to one of the most recognised fast charging networks. As we accelerate towards full electrification, our goal is to make charging simple and effortless, through a seamless ecosystem.” Already today, electric Volvo drivers can use the Volvo Cars app at 120,000 charging points in North America, including Tesla Superchargers, as well as more than 1.2 million charging points across Europe. Volvo Cars’ approach to charging is to make life with electric cars even easier than it is today by making public charging more unified and reliable around the world. This includes supporting market drivers toward charging standardisation and interoperability, particularly in markets where joint efforts can make public charging simpler for more drivers. The small print This information applies to the following Volvo car models: EX30, EX40, EC40, EX60, EX90 and ES90 * Countries include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom **NACS/SAE J3400 standard *** Information on specific timing, car models and markets will be shared at a later stage.

“Hey Google, can I park here?” Volvo Cars and Google aim to create a new generation of contextually aware driving experiences by bringing together the best of their respective technologies, leveraging the latest advancements in AI and Google Gemini. As part of a world first, Volvo Cars and Google will demonstrate Google Gemini vehicle camera integration in the EX60, at Google I/O conference (May 19-20). This paves the way for a future where, with the driver’s permission, Gemini will be able to see and understand its surroundings from the perspective of the car in real time.   This will enable a more helpful driving experience for things like recalling a road sign, making sense of lane markings or simply asking for more information about a landmark or a restaurant. Take parking as an example. By reading and interpreting parking signs in real time, the system helps drivers quickly understand restrictions, time limits, permit requirements or charging rules. Instead of second-guessing whether a space is valid, drivers receive clear guidance exactly when and where they need it.   “The EX60 provides an ideal platform to explore the future of contextually aware driving experiences,” says Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Global Software Engineering at Volvo Cars. “Working closely with Google as a lead device partner allows us to help bring the latest advances in AI into the automotive environment faster and more collaboratively than ever before.” These concepts provide an early look at how contextually aware AI experiences will in the future become part of the every-day driving experience. This is made possible by the Gemini model’s multi-modal understanding*, the EX60’s neural processing engine** and software- defined architecture. More intuitive directions with Immersive Navigation from Google Maps Soon, Volvo Cars will also be among the first to introduce Immersive Navigation from Google Maps into its cars. With a new 3D view, Immersive Navigation offers even more intuitive guidance for drivers, helping them stay informed and focused on the road. Drivers will see their route brought to life with redesigned buildings, tunnels, overpasses and more, making it easy to quickly understand complex roads and turns. This is particularly valuable in urban environments where skyscrapers and dense intersections can make it difficult to see the road ahead. It also delivers more natural voice guidance with helpful instructions that call out real-world landmarks in addition to distance and timing, such as “Go past this light and take the next left after the library.” By aligning what drivers hear with what they see, navigation becomes even easier to follow. “We’re excited to partner with Volvo Cars on helping build the next generation of driving experiences for the real world,” says Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android for Cars at Google. “In the future, Gemini will make your drive more helpful by allowing you to learn more about your surroundings while on the road. And with Immersive Navigation, we’re bringing Google Maps’ biggest update in over a decade to our drivers.” Immersive Navigation from Google Maps will first be available in the Volvo EX60, EX90 and ES90. These announcements reflect an ongoing relationship between Volvo Cars and Google as the two companies work together to shape the next generation of in-car intelligence.  The small print    *Multi-modal understanding: AI’s ability to combine and interpret inputs such as voice, images, and context to understand a situation. ** Neural Processing Engine (NPU): A dedicated processor that runs AI tasks efficiently and in real time on-device. Features may differ depending on subscription, and results may vary. Google Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.Connected apps require setup and providing necessary permissions. Compatibility and availability vary. 18+. Google Gemini and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC..  About Volvo Car Group   Volvo Cars was founded in 1927. Today, it is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales to customers in more than 100 countries. Volvo Cars is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, where it is traded under the ticker “VOLCAR B”.    “For life. To provide freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.” This purpose is reflected in Volvo Cars’ ambition to become a fully electric car maker and in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.    In 2025, Volvo Cars sold over 710 000 cars, with an electrified share of 46%. Volvo Cars on average employed 42,600 full-time employees. Volvo Cars’ head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars’ production plants are located in Gothenburg, Ghent (Belgium), South Carolina (US), Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou (China). The company also has R&D and design centres in Gothenburg and Shanghai (China).

New features and design upgrades make the Volvo EX30 more attractive than ever For the upcoming model year, Volvo EX30 customers can look forward to new entry-level powertrains, elevated interior design, and an expanded Black Edition offering. The EX30 will also be available with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to act as a powerbank and supply energy to other devices and appliances. In addition, forthcoming software updates will introduce a more intuitive user experience. Several of the features will also be available to current EX30 drivers, free of charge, via over-the-air software updates.  “We’re making some big improvements to our smallest ever premium electric SUV,” says Alexander Petrofski, Product Line Owner 30/40 at Volvo Cars. “By enhancing the user experience, introducing new premium interior options and adding smart technology like the possibility to transform the car into a powerbank for charging other electrical devices, we’re making everyday life easier and more enjoyable.”  The EX30 Cross Country range is also expanding, with the addition of a Plus trim level and a more efficient single-motor option.  The power you need The Volvo EX30 introduces a new powertrain that delivers 110kW (150PS) with a 51kWh battery and 339km of range, a perfect entry option for the person who needs a premium electric experience for the everyday commute. Alternatively, for those who enjoy the occasional longer drive, you can upgrade to a larger 69kWh battery for up to 476km of range. Together with the existing powertrain options, these updates mean customers now have even greater freedom to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.   More intuitive and ready for new tasks A new UX update improves access to the controls that matter most to you. A completely redesigned settings and controls system brings the right controls closer at hand, along with a customizable content bar that lets you use the space for predictive actions or the actions most important to you.  In addition, the Volvo EX30 is hardware-ready to offer Vehicle-to-Load, a technology that allows customers to store energy in the battery of their electric Volvo and use it later. This function (V2L), initially available in selected markets, can transform the EX30 into a powerbank for charging other electrical devices, like an electric bicycle, or to power appliances such as electrical tools, sound systems and camping gear. All you need is an adapter that connects your car with the appliance.*  The addition of V2L and the new UX are planned to be provided through over-the-air software updates during summer to new and existing EX30 customers.  New exciting design options The EX30 now also introduces two additional premium interior rooms.   The ‘Harvest’ interior room offers a warm light-toned aesthetic inspired by late Scandinavian summer evenings. It includes light-coloured woven recycled textile upholstery, subtly contrasting Nordico upholstery made from recycled material such as PET bottles, elegant dark flax décor, and a black headlining for a contemporary, natural feel.  The ‘Black’ interior room comes in a deep-black shade, where the smooth Nordico upholstery with slightly contrasting seams is paired with natural, dark flax décor for a timeless look.   The EX30 Black Edition is now also available with the new ‘Black’ interior room. In addition, three exterior colours can be specified: Onyx Black, Vapour Grey and Crystal White.   “Premium entry level electric cars are growing fast, and EX30 has been a leader in this segment since it was launched,” says Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars. “The latest EX30 will further increase our addressable market in this segment, be a driver of electrified growth for Volvo Cars and attract more customers towards full electrification, together with our electrical options in all other size segments.”   The small print   *The V2L adapter is available to purchase as an accessory. Please speak to your local market representative or retailer for pricing and availability.   Availability of features and options mentioned above may differ between markets and variants.   Range figures are based on WLTP testing standards obtained under specific testing conditions for the Volvo EX30. Actual range can vary depending on charge level, car specification, outdoor temperature, battery temperature, weather, topography, driving style and car speed. 

The car that changes the game – meet the new, all-electric Volvo EX60 Say hello to the Volvo EX60 – a new, all-electric mid-size SUV that changes the game in the largest electric market segment in terms of range, charging speed, performance and price. The five-seater, family-friendly EX60 ends range anxiety, delivers a ground breaking user experience and represents the next frontier in safety. It is also Volvo Cars’ first entry in the largest electric segment globally, allowing it to substantially increase its addressable market and electric market share. “The new, all-electric EX60 changes the game in terms of range, charging and price and represents a new beginning for Volvo Cars and our customers,” says Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “With this car, we remove all remaining obstacles for going electric. This fantastic new car is also a testament of what we are capable of at Volvo Cars, with an all-new product architecture introducing new key technologies – mega casting, cell-to-body and core computing.” The EX60 can go up to a best-in-class 810 kilometres on a single charge in an all-wheel drive configuration. This doesn’t just make it go further than any electric car that Volvo Cars has ever created. It also beats its recently revealed competitors, setting a new standard for its segment. That same no-compromises approach is reflected in how fast it charges. A quick coffee stop is enough to recharge and hit the road again. The EX60 can add up to 340km of range in just ten minutes when using a 400kW fast charger. In other words, the EX60 turns range anxiety into range comfort and demonstrates that going electric is no longer a compromise. Design, engineering, hardware and software all work together to create a car that optimises driving range and matches many petrol cars. When ordering, the new customer experience has been designed for simplicity, transparency and precision. The offer gives customers transparency on price, clarity on what content they get in the car, and a precise estimated delivery time. Customers can also pick a pre-configured car available for instant delivery, always with the option for a fully customised car that takes slightly longer to deliver. The EX60 is available with three different powertrain variants. The P12 AWD Electric variant offers the class-leading range of up to 810km, while the P10 AWD Electric clocks in at a range of up to 660km. A rear-wheel powered P6 Electric variant delivers up to 620km of range. All in all, the EX60 is available in seven attractive variants, covering all needs and lifestyles.  The EX60 comes with 10 years of battery warranty. In Sweden, the EX60 will also come with three years of free home charging. This offer applies immediately to private customers in Sweden before being rolled out into other markets. The EX60 is built on SPA3, Volvo Cars’ new electric vehicle architecture, and powered by HuginCore, the Volvo Cars core system. It sets new standards in scalability, modularity, manufacturing efficiencies and cost. Cell-to-body technology, next-generation in-house developed e-motors, a new battery cell design and mega casting all help to boost energy efficiency and driving range, while reducing weight. This also helps the EX60 to achieve the lowest carbon footprint for a fully electric Volvo car, matching that of the smaller EX30 and making the EX60 a better choice for the environment. Scandinavian design with purpose In terms of design, the EX60 takes the company’s Scandinavian design principles further into an all-electric era. It combines a stylish, confident and efficient exterior with natural, high-end materials inside that give customers a calm, refined and versatile space with smart storage. A low front, a sloping roofline and tapered body sides all boost overall aerodynamic efficiency. As a result, the EX60 slides through the air and has a very competitive drag coefficient of 0.26, contributing to the class-leading range. Inside, the EX60 is a star in versatility and practicality. The long wheelbase and flat floor create much more legroom in the rear, as well as a large luggage compartment and various smart storage spaces for personal items. For those who love music, the EX60 is an excellent choice with a premium 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. For the first time in a Volvo car, this system also includes headrest speakers in all four main seats. The EX60 will be the first Volvo with Apple Music pre-installed with Dolby Atmos, delivering an immersive Spatial Audio experience. An intelligent car you can talk to naturallyAs Volvo Cars’ most intelligent car yet, the EX60 is packed with state-of-the-art technology designed to improve life behind the wheel. The EX60 is powered by the latest iteration of HuginCore, the Volvo Cars core system that empowers the car to think, process and act. It embodies the company’s approach to technology development, combining in-house development and collaboration with tech leaders such as Google, NVIDIA and Qualcomm Technologies Inc. The EX60 is the first Volvo car to launch with Gemini, the new AI assistant from Google. Gemini is deeply integrated with your car and lets you have natural and personalised conversations without having to remember specific commands. The introduction of Gemini reflects the longstanding relationship between Volvo Cars and Google, and Volvo Cars’ status as a lead development partner and one of the reference hardware platforms for AndroidTM Automotive OS. The EX60 also contains the most responsive user experience in any Volvo car to date. In this seamless and no-lag infotainment system, screens respond quickly, maps load instantly, voice assistants understand passengers better, and everything feels smooth, while the UX provides quicker access to key functions. One of the safest cars on the marketThis being a Volvo, it is one of the safest cars on the market and represents the purest form of the Volvo Cars Safety Standard, going above and beyond regulations and rating requirements. Enabled by HuginCore, the EX60 reaches new levels of safety, as it constantly assesses the world around the car through its wide array of sensors. The result is a car with a clear and precise …

Read more “The car that changes the game – meet the new, all-electric Volvo EX60”

Volvo EX90 earns five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests In the most recent round of Euro NCAP safety testing, the fully electric Volvo EX90 SUV earned the maximum five-star rating, placing it among the highest-performing cars this year. Euro NCAP is a leading independent car safety assessment program in Europe and helps customers make informed decisions about cars’ safety performance. The family SUV, available with up to seven seats, scored particularly high in both adult and child protection categories. “Volvo Cars has long been a pioneer in automotive safety, and the EX90 is the latest example of that leadership,” says Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “It builds on more than 55 years of real-world crash research, informing how we design our cars for traffic situations people face every day – not just controlled test environments. This Euro NCAP result shows that our commitment to real-world protection translates into top performance in independent safety tests.” With crash research and data from more than 50,000 real-life accidents involving more than 80,000 people, Volvo Cars has built a deep understanding of how to help protect people. Combined with virtual and physical testing, that knowledge powers the company’s development of safety innovations. It also helps to form the foundation of the Volvo Cars Safety Standard – an in-house benchmark that goes beyond the official requirements for safety testing.   The EX90 is born smart, connected and electric. It’s packed with protective and preventive safety technology and software, powered by core computing and informed by advanced sensors. This enables the car to process real-time data, learn and adapt – and thanks to over-the-air updates, Volvo Cars can continuously improve and grow functionalities over time. The EX90 makes use of Volvo Cars’ Safe Space Technology, a bespoke suite of safety systems on each model, designed to work together to help protect people in and around the car. Using advanced sensors, cameras, and radars, the car builds an understanding of its surroundings to help anticipate and mitigate potential risks.   In the event of a crash, its state-of-the-art restraint technology and structural design, tuned specifically for the EX90 – are designed to help protect the driver and passengers. Among the EX90’s standout safety features is the driver understanding system, also available in the ES90. Named one of TIME’s Best Inventions in 2024, the system uses real-time sensing technology to detect the driver’s state and provide support when needed – for example, when a driver may be tired, distracted or otherwise not fully capable of driving. The EX90 also comes with full-cabin occupant sensing to help prevent leaving loved ones behind in potentially dangerous situations. Advanced radars can detect movements as subtle as a baby’s breathing and alert you if necessary.  This latest result adds to the growing list of honours for the EX90, which also includes the prestigious World Luxury Car title awarded earlier this year.