Despite the increasing popularity of electric models in the last couple of years, there remain certain segments of the vehicle market that are not addressed in North America. Minivans are one of them, even though firms such as Mercedes-Benz have produced minivans that are electric for different markets. Ford is, in contrast currently working on an electric passenger vehicle here in the US although it’s not the same as a minivan targeted toward private buyers.
Then Volvo is entering the action, unveiling an image teaser this week for a car that will bear the 2024 Volvo EM90 badge. The model will be sold in China at the end of September however, it’s unlikely to be available outside of the Middle Kingdom.
2024 Volvo EM90 Review
In a sense, the parent company of Volvo had previously viewed an electric minivan in the announcement of their Zeekr 009 model for 2022. The exquisite electric model developed under one of Geely’s newest models will come with a selection of 116 or 140-kWh batteries offering a range of 436 and 511 miles, respectively. The figures represent CLTC cycle estimates which are more positive than what we’d like to receive from the EPA should they would decide to test one of these.
With dual motors, the Zeekr version can boast 536 horsepower and 505 lb-ft torque, which allows it to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds. (Yes the sentence before was about the size of a minivan). If it is revealed that the Volvo EM90 is revealed in full in November, we can expect to see similar numbers including seating for either six or seven. The second row of the minivan is expected to have two captain’s chairs that slide as well as middle row passengers to be accompanied through a 15.6-inch screen. The third row will feature an open bench that can be accessed via the sliding doors that are on either side.
So far, Volvo plans to offer the 2024 Volvo EM90 exclusively in China which is where the luxurious minivan has been a hit for more than two decades. But selling elsewhere is more difficult since the 140- and 116-kWh batteries are costly. Minivans with internal combustion engines that are sold in mass-market markets across North America and Europe also have a price limit for family-oriented vehicles and that’s not even including different luxury conversions, therefore an electric vehicle that is priced high and has the Volvo label is probably not going to be able to entice repeat EV buyers or even repeat minivan purchasers.
2024 Volvo EM90 Price & Release Date
Do not expect Volvo’s very first people mover to be at a bargain price either. If the enormous battery packs weren’t enough to warn you its Zeekr-related model starts from an equivalent of AUD$107,000 in China and can go up to AUD$126,000 in the longer-range model. Rivals that are available in Australia include the fully electronic LDV Mifa 9 (from $104,000) as well as the Mercedes-Benz e-Vito Tourer (from $116,115) However, in terms of high-end vans there is an electric Lexus LM (from $160,888) is a different threat. We’ll find out more details at the unveiling of the EM90 on November 1, but for the moment Volvo Australia has been contacted to provide a statement on whether it is planning to launch a right-hand-drive version to be heading Down Under in the future.
If you’re counting the 2024 Volvo EM90 is a brand-new electric Volvo third in the plan of the brand (not including the released XC40 or C40) and also includes the EX90 large SUV as well as the EX30 smaller SUV. Also, we can expect an upgrade for the XC60 mid-sized SUV shortly, which will give us the fourth EV with a mystery model unanswered until 2026.