Volvo is drip-dropping specs for its new EX60, and they are already showing it as the fastest-charging and longest-range Volvo EV ever…
The numbers, along with the teaser images they’ve supplied:
- An estimated 400 miles of range
- EX60 can add up to 168 miles of range in just 10 minutes on an 800V, 400kW charger
- New Megacasting process to reduce weight, moving parts, and build time
Noting this press release dropped at 3:00 am, one might think the 400 miles was on the very optimistic European WLTP cycle, but Volvo is saying that this is EPA estimate:
Range figures are preliminary and derive from estimates and calculations performed by Volvo Cars for EX60 based on EPA testing cycles and these outcomes are not guaranteed. Official EPA range estimates will be released at a later date. Actual range can vary depending on tire type and size, car specification (including but not limited to powertrain), charge level, outdoor temperature, battery temperature, weather, accessories, topography, driving style and car speed
The battery is clearly a game-changer for the Geely-owned Swedish car maker and will be warranted for 10 years. Volvo notes that the charging numbers were attained with help from partner company Breathe Battery Technologies. The EX60 is the first class-leading SPA3-architected car in Volvo’s fleet and it is a great sign of things to come.
Integrating the battery directly into the structure of the car with cell-to-body technology and developing e-motors in-house makes the EX60 more energy efficient and cuts excessive weight. The new cell design of the EX60’s battery carefully balances energy density and power delivery, further increasing driving range.
The EX60 is the first Volvo car built with the help of mega casting, whereby hundreds of smaller parts are replaced with a single, high-precision casting in the production process. This reduces weight, which again improves range and lets you go further.
That means the car not only has fewer parts to manufacture, but it will also be lighter and the structure will be firmer. The downside to the megacasting trend, of course, is that in an accident, it is much easier to total a car when there is only one piece of frame.
Top comment by Xavez
The 3rd image is clearly the trunk. The tiny distance from the back to the folded seats also seems to indicate a 3rd row, as the current XC60 has a large trunk. I'm sure it will be a 3rd row just for kids like a Mercedes GLB, but it is a great option!
Behind the seats is a deep hole, probably has a cover somewhere to make a flush floor. As for that bucket with Liters and Gallons is a mistery, though...
Below is a third teaser image, but it is hard to tell if it is a frunk or the rear area, which may be an indicator of a third row?
We’ll find out more details as Volve continues to drip-drop news on the EX60 ahead of the January 21 reveal in 2 weeks.
Electrek’s take
To me, this feels like a Chinese EV wrapped in a Swedish design. Charge rate and range are similar to the crazy numbers coming out of China. Charging stops that are 10-15 minutes are becoming the new high bar, and we’re even seeing 5-minute charges that are approaching the energy transfer, or better yet, the miles transfer of gasoline.
As for the range, we will get official EPA later this year but 400 miles, together with improved infrastructure and education, should be more than enough miles for even the most pessimistic range consumer. It should even allow towing and other activities often reserved for larger cars.
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