What’s Changed with the 2026 Volvo EX90’s Electrical System?
Volvo’s latest EX90 isn’t just a refresh—it’s a leap forward, especially when you peek under the hood. The big news? An all-new 800-volt electrical architecture. If you’re not an EV engineer, here’s why that matters: higher voltage means more efficient power delivery and, crucially, much faster charging. The outgoing model’s 400-volt system was solid, but this upgrade puts Volvo in the same league as luxury rivals like Porsche and Hyundai’s top EVs.
With the new setup, the EX90 can handle DC fast charging at a whopping 350 kW. Translation: you can add up to 155 miles of range in just 10 minutes. That’s a game-changer for road trips and busy families. Last year’s model maxed out at 250 kW, so this is a serious jump. Volvo’s battery management software also got smarter, using algorithms to optimize charging speed and battery health. The result? Pure magic. Less time at the charger, more time on the road.
How Does This Impact Real-World Driving and Ownership?
Speedy charging is just the start. The 800-volt system also means the EX90 can deliver more power to the motors, which hints at snappier acceleration and better overall efficiency. Volvo hasn’t published final performance numbers yet, but early reports suggest both range and 0-60 times will improve. The company also teased weight reductions in the battery and motors, which should help with handling and energy use.
For drivers, this means fewer compromises. You get the space and comfort of a three-row SUV, but with the kind of charging convenience that makes EV ownership feel almost effortless. According to a 2023 J.D. Power study, charging speed is now one of the top three factors influencing EV purchase decisions in North America. Volvo’s upgrade directly addresses that pain point.
What’s New Inside the Cabin and for Everyday Safety?
Volvo’s not just flexing on the tech front—they’ve added some genuinely cool features inside, too. The 2026 EX90 borrows an electrochromic panoramic roof from the ES90 sedan. With a tap, you can dim or brighten the glass, which is perfect for sunny days or stargazing at night. It’s a small touch, but it adds a premium feel that families and commuters will appreciate.
Safety, as always with Volvo, gets a major boost. The EX90 now offers connected safety alerts for slippery roads, hazards, and accidents ahead—think of it as crowd-sourced road intelligence. The Emergency Stop Assist system can even call Volvo’s emergency center if the driver becomes unresponsive, a feature that’s already saved lives in other markets. Plus, the automatic emergency steering now works in total darkness, and Park Pilot Assist can handle parallel parking for you. It’s like having a co-pilot who never blinks.
Is the EX90 Smarter Than Before?
Absolutely. The 2026 EX90 is equipped with dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin-based core computers, delivering a jaw-dropping 500 trillion operations per second. That’s not just a number—it means the car can process sensor data, run advanced driver-assistance features, and even support future software updates for years to come. If you already own a 2025 EX90, good news: you can get this computing upgrade at your dealer, so you’re not left behind.
How Is Volvo Investing in the US and What’s Next for American Buyers?
Volvo’s ambitions go beyond just making a better EV—they’re doubling down on their US manufacturing presence. The Ridgeville, South Carolina plant, which currently builds the EX90 and Polestar 3, has the capacity for 150,000 vehicles a year but isn’t running at full tilt yet. To change that, Volvo will start building the XC60 SUV in America by late 2026, offering both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. This move is partly about sidestepping tariffs, but it’s also a signal that Volvo sees the US as a long-term growth market.
There’s more on the horizon. Volvo confirmed plans for a next-generation hybrid model designed specifically for the US, expected before 2030. While details are under wraps, industry insiders speculate it could be the next-gen XC90, tailored to American tastes and driving habits. This aligns with Volvo’s broader strategy to electrify its lineup while still meeting the needs of buyers who aren’t quite ready to go full EV.
What Does This Mean for Volvo’s Future in America?
Volvo’s CEO, Håkan Samuelsson, put it plainly: the company is all-in on the US market. With 70 years of history and over five million cars sold stateside, Volvo’s latest investments are about more than just numbers—they’re about building trust and relevance for the next generation of drivers. As the company pushes toward full utilization of its US plant and rolls out new models, American buyers can expect more choices, faster tech upgrades, and a stronger focus on local needs.
The big takeaway? The 2026 Volvo EX90 isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether it’s faster charging, smarter safety, or a more comfortable ride, Volvo’s latest moves show that progress is all about stacking up the right improvements, one smart step at a time.