While several key players in the automotive world have pulled the plug on their minivans, Volvo is about to enter this segment. The model in question will be known as the EM90, and we are a couple of weeks away from seeing it in an official environment.
The official unveiling of the car will take place on November 12, and until then, the Swedish automaker will keep dropping all kinds of teasers on its channels. The latest put the spotlight on some of the safety gear equipping it, with the company mentioning the strong safety cage.
According to Volvo, the EM90 features high-strength steel in its construction. It also has double A-pillars, the usual airbags, and a host of passive and active safety gear. In the latest press release, the automaker also speaks about the "broad sensor set" that comprises ultrasonic sensors, high-definition cameras, a millimeter-wave radar, and surround-view cameras.
The battery pack is also protected, with the car firm encasing it in a structure made of aluminum and steel. This "enables a safe and stable performance in real-world crash scenarios," Volvo says.
Other highlights of the upcoming EM90 minivan include the unique air purification technology, which will be standard, premium audio from Bowers & Wilkins with 21 speakers, and a very spacious cabin that is normal for cars in this segment, especially those featuring a battery-electric powertrain.
Photo: Volvo
The Volvo EM90 builds on the Zeekr 009, and we've already seen real-world images of it last week, which made their way online courtesy of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It looks the same as its 009 sibling on the sides, with the only things different being the wheels.
The front and rear fascias are also specific to Volvo, including the Thor's hammer LED headlamps, closed-off grille, and bumper design up front, and the T-shaped taillights at the back. Chances are it will feature three rows of seats on the inside and an overall layout similar to that of the Zeekr people carrier.
Based on Geely's SEA architecture, the EM90 will pack a rear-mounted electric motor, generating 268 horsepower (272 ps/200 kW). As usual, when it comes to Volvo's models, the top speed will be electronically capped at 112 mph or 180 kph.
Chances are the EM90 will feature the same 116 kWh battery used on the base Zeekr 009, but it might get the larger 140 kWh offering in the future to expand the family. A dual-motor powertrain is not completely off the table either, but we will find out more about it during the official premiere. The model will be available in China first and will come to life at the Zhejiang facility. The 009 is made at Ningbo.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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