Volvo has released initial details regarding its upcoming EX60 electric vehicle, which is built on the SPA3 platform. The vehicle is projected to offer a preliminary range of up to 810 kilometers for an all-wheel-drive model, representing the longest range announced for a battery-electric vehicle in the brand's lineup to date. The EX60 will incorporate an 800-volt electrical system and introduce 'Megacasting' in its production. A full reveal for the 2026 Volvo EX60, which is an electric SUV and sibling to the XC60, is scheduled for January 21.
Range and Charging Capabilities
The EX60's stated preliminary range of 810 kilometers applies to an all-wheel-drive configuration. Volvo states the EX60 will feature both the longest range and fastest charging capabilities of any fully electric Volvo to date.
The vehicle's SPA3 platform includes an 800-volt electrical system, a technology also being adopted by the EX90 for its 2026 model year and previously introduced in the SPA2-based ES90. This system, combined with in-house developed software, is designed to facilitate efficient energy transfer during charging, aiming to reduce heat generation and cooling energy requirements.
The EX60 is reported to be capable of gaining up to 340 kilometers of range in ten minutes when connected to a 400-kW fast charger. This charging performance is stated to be achievable in various weather conditions. The peak charging power is expected to exceed the ES90's 350 kW capacity.
Technological Innovations and Manufacturing
Several measures contribute to the EX60's specifications:
- Battery Cell Design: A new cell design is utilized to balance energy density and power delivery, which contributes to extending the driving range.
- Lighter Materials: Lighter materials are integrated into the charging system.
- Cell-to-Body Technology: The battery is directly integrated into the vehicle's structure. The electric motors for the EX60 are developed in-house. All EX60 customers will receive a 10-year battery warranty.
- Megacasting: The EX60 marks the first production Volvo to employ Megacasting. This manufacturing process involves producing large, precision-cast components in a single piece, designed to replace numerous smaller parts. The method aims to simplify production, reduce component weight, and contribute to increased range.
Competitive Landscape and Platform Comparison
The EX60 is positioned to compete with vehicles such as the BMW iX3, specifically the iX3 50 xDrive, which offers an 805-kilometer WLTP range, a 345 kW all-wheel-drive system, and a 108 kWh net energy content battery. While precise powertrain efficiency details for the EX60 are pending, a similar battery energy content is projected.
For comparison within Volvo's lineup, the larger Volvo EX90, which is based on the SPA2 platform, uses 101 or 107 kWh batteries and achieves a maximum WLTP range of 614 kilometers.
Anders Bell, Volvo's Chief Technology Officer, indicated that the EX60's design and new electric vehicle architecture are intended to address customer concerns regarding the transition to electric vehicles, particularly "range anxiety."
Full details concerning battery energy content and the all-wheel-drive system are anticipated at the EX60's world premiere.