What’s New with the Volvo EX90’s Latest Upgrade?
If you’ve been following Volvo’s electric journey, you know the EX90 has always promised a lot—especially when it comes to safety. But until now, some of those headline features were more “coming soon” than “ready to roll.” That’s finally changing. Volvo has rolled out a major update for the EX90, and it’s not just a software tweak. We’re talking about a serious hardware boost, smarter safety tech, and a next-gen electrical system that puts the EX90 on a whole new level.
How Does the New Hardware Make the EX90 Smarter and Safer?
Let’s start with the brains of the operation. Volvo’s swapped out the old Nvidia Xavier chip for a much more powerful Nvidia Drive AGX Orin processor. What does that mean in real life? The car can now process a staggering 500 trillion operations per second. That’s not just a big number—it’s the difference between a car that reacts and a car that anticipates.
With this new computing muscle, the EX90’s lidar sensor unlocks advanced safety features that were previously just promises. Imagine your car steering away from a cyclist at night or coming to a gentle stop if you suddenly fall ill behind the wheel. These aren’t futuristic dreams—they’re now part of the EX90’s toolkit. The system also expands the car’s automatic parking abilities, making tight city parking a little less stressful.
And here’s something early adopters will appreciate: Volvo isn’t leaving anyone behind. Even if you bought your EX90 before this update, you can get the new hardware and software through a free workshop upgrade. That’s a rare move in the auto world and shows Volvo’s commitment to its customers.
What Does the 800V Electrical System Mean for Everyday Drivers?
The 2026 model year EX90 gets another big leap: an 800V electrical system. If you’re not an EV geek, here’s why that matters. Most current EVs—including the earlier EX90—run on a 400V system. Doubling the voltage means faster charging, less heat, and more efficient power delivery.
For you, that translates to real-world benefits. The new system boosts maximum charging speed from 250kW to 350kW. In plain English? You can add about 155 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a high-speed charger. That’s the kind of convenience that makes road trips and busy days much easier.
There’s another perk: higher voltage means less heat during charging, which not only speeds things up but also helps protect the battery over time. And while Volvo hasn’t revealed the new 0-62mph time, they’ve hinted at even quicker acceleration. The current top-spec EX90 already does it in 4.9 seconds, so expect something even snappier.
Will These Changes Impact Efficiency and Sustainability?
Absolutely. The new electrical architecture isn’t just about speed—it’s about doing more with less. By making the system more efficient, Volvo can use smaller batteries and motors without sacrificing performance or range. That means less raw material use, lighter cars, and a smaller environmental footprint.
This approach lines up with Volvo’s broader sustainability goals. The company has been vocal about reducing emissions not just from driving, but from manufacturing as well. Using fewer materials and lighter components is a win for both drivers and the planet.
How Will Software Updates Shape the EX90’s Future?
One of the most exciting parts of this upgrade is what it means for the future. With the new processor, Volvo can deliver bigger and more meaningful over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The plan? Four major updates a year, plus regular tweaks and improvements.
This isn’t just about fixing bugs. It’s about adding new features, improving safety, and keeping your car feeling fresh long after you drive it off the lot. Think of it like your smartphone—only safer, faster, and a lot more fun to drive.
What About Pricing and Availability?
Volvo hasn’t released full technical specs for the updated EX90 yet, and there’s no official word on the new 0-62mph time. As for price, expect a slight bump from the current entry-level EX90, which starts at around £83,000. Given the upgrades, that’s not surprising, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering placing an order.
Is the EX90 Now the Benchmark for Electric SUVs?
With these upgrades, Volvo isn’t just catching up—they’re setting a new standard for what an electric SUV can be. The blend of advanced safety, lightning-fast charging, and a focus on sustainability makes the EX90 a compelling choice for anyone serious about EVs.
If you’re already an EX90 owner, the free upgrade is a welcome surprise. If you’re shopping for your next electric SUV, the 2026 EX90 should be on your shortlist. Volvo’s not just talking about the future—they’re building it, one smart, safe, and sustainable car at a time.