Greener New Volvo ES90 Coming - Big on Space, Small on Carbon

Abu Dhabi : The footprint is less than that of the EX40 and EC40 models.

• The new Volvo ES90 emits a total carbon footprint of up to 31 tonnes.
• It is the first Volvo to get a new 800-volt charging system, allowing faster charging and improved energy efficiency.
• The ES90 is designed with 29 per cent recycled aluminium, 18 per cent recycled steel, and 16 per cent recycled plastics and bio-based materials.

The all-new fully electric ES90 by Volvo Cars is set to begin production later this summer. This model is made using energy that has no impact on the climate. It shows Volvo’s focus on sustainability. 

A new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report details how the materials and manufacturing steps add to the car’s total carbon emissions over its lifetime.

Carbon Emissions less than crossover & SUVs

When charged with a typical European energy mix, the ES90’s total carbon footprint reaches 31 tonnes. Using wind power to charge it reduces that figure to 26 tonnes. Compared to the Volvo S90 mild hybrid, the ES90’s emissions are about half, and they are 30 per cent lower than the plug-in hybrid version of the S90. The emission is also less than the EX40 and EC40 crossover/SUVs.

This makes the ES90 one of the Volvo cars with the smallest carbon footprints so far. It also proves that fully electric cars are a smart choice for both drivers and the environment.

Precise mining and refining of materials

The LCA report, verified by a third party, pinpoints which materials and processes mainly contribute to the car’s greenhouse gas emissions. It covers everything from the mining and refining of raw materials to the end of the vehicle’s life. The report clearly shows how each stage adds to the overall carbon footprint.

Vanessa Butani, the head of global sustainability at Volvo Cars, explains that the company goes beyond what the law requires because they believe it’s important. They want to cut their greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2040. Becoming a leader in electric vehicles is part of their plan to reach that goal. 

The new ES90 demonstrates its full approach to sustainability. It focuses on reuse and recycling, making climate-friendly products, and running a responsible business.

A comprehensive approach that goes beyond basic needs

When Volvo Cars launched its first fully electric vehicle in 2019, it was the first car manufacturer to promise transparent life cycle assessment (LCA) reports for all its electric models worldwide. Sharing these reports publicly, the company wants to help buyers make better choices when picking their next electric car. 

So far, Volvo has published LCA reports for five models: the EC40, EX40, EX30, EX90, and now the ES90.

Charging and Dynamics

The ES90 isn’t just an electric car with no tailpipe emissions. It has been designed with a full view of sustainability in mind. For example, it is the first Volvo equipped with a new 800-volt charging system. This system makes charging faster and improves energy use. 

The vehicle also features lighter parts, which help make it more efficient by reducing its weight. Its sleek design also cuts air resistance, with a drag coefficient of 0.25 — the best in Volvo’s history.

Styling and Interiors

Built with around 29 per cent recycled aluminium, 18 per cent recycled steel, and 16 per cent recycled plastics and bio-based materials such as FSC-certified wood in the interior, the ES90 focuses on sustainability. 

Inside, customers can choose Nordico upholstery made from recycled materials, such as PET bottles and bio-based fabrics. It also features Volvo’s new battery passport, a blockchain-based tool that tracks the battery’s origin and monitors its health.

Launch and Availability

The first ES90 for customers will start rolling out of the factory this summer. Orders are open now in countries including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. More markets, including the Middle East, could be added later this year and in 2026.