Breaking: volvo reveals key specs for the EX60, its new midsize electric SUV, ahead of january 21 debut
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: volvo reveals key specs for the EX60, its new midsize electric SUV, ahead of january 21 debut
- 2. No-compromise electric driving
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- 6. 22 kW single‑phase: Fully charges the pack overnight (≈4 hours) on a dedicated wallbox.
- 7. volvo EX60: Core Specifications at a Glance
- 8. Charging Speed – What Sets the EX60 Apart
- 9. 1. 800‑Volt Platform Benefits
- 10. 2.Real‑World Fast‑Charging Scenario
- 11. 3. AC Home Charging Made Simple
- 12. Range Credibility – From Lab to Street
- 13. WLTP vs. Real‑World Tests
- 14. Factors Influencing Real‑World range
- 15. practical Tips to Maximise Range
- 16. Competitive Landscape – how the EX60 Stands Up
- 17. Volvo’s 800‑Volt Strategy – Benefits Beyond Speed
- 18. Real‑World Experience – Early Test Drive Insights
- 19. Practical Ownership Checklist
- 20. Future Outlook – what the EX60 Means for the EV Market
Volvo is gradually sharing details about its upcoming midsize electric SUV, the EX60, ahead of its official unveiling on January 21. The company targets about 400 miles of range under the WLTP standard in Europe, a figure that would surpass its previous EVs until a later model, the ES90, arrives with higher specifications. The EX60 also marks the first vehicle to ride on Volvo’s new megacasting production method aimed at reducing weight and boosting manufacturing efficiency.
No-compromise electric driving
Volvo describes the EX60 as an electric vehicle designed without compromise. The program lead stressed that customers should not feel disadvantaged by choosing electric, underscoring a commitment to practical usability.
Management emphasized two core goals: longer range and faster charging. The aim is to convert “range anxiety” into “range comfort,” so drivers rarely stop thinking about how far they can go between charges.
Central to the EX60’s performance is an 800-volt electrical system, a first for Volvo’s lineup. this architecture is in line with rivals known for rapid charging and is designed to enable quicker top-ups across networks.
With a 400 kW fast charger, the EX60 can move from 10 to 80 percent in 19 minutes and add about 168 miles of range in ten minutes. Volvo says the vehicle will deliver strong charging performance not only on 400 kW chargers but also on more common 250 kW units.
The EX60 sits on Volvo’s all-new SPA3 platform, built exclusively for electric vehicles and free from combustion-engine constraints. It relies on established nickel–cobalt–manganese chemistry rather than a new battery chemistry to achieve its range and performance.
Key manufacturing advances include megacasting and a structural battery pack to cut weight and reduce costs. The car will also feature battery preconditioning to ensure optimal charging temperatures for higher-speed charging.
Volvo plans to price the EX60 around the starting point of the XC60 plug-in hybrid, aiming to keep it competitive with internal-combustion and hybrid rivals. The company is also introducing a global 10-year battery warranty covering up to 240,000 kilometers, extending its prior coverage and signaling confidence in its in-house battery program.
Standard across all trims are vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capabilities,with Volvo partnering with vattenfall to study how EX60s and other Volvo EVs can help balance the energy grid.
The EX60 will be built at volvo’s Gothenburg facility, with production slated to begin in the first half of 2026. The move aims to broaden Volvo’s EV lineup with a more affordable family SUV option.
Volvo’s strategy centers on delivering practical electric driving with substantial range and fast charging, designed to fit into everyday routines rather than disrupt them. The combination of megacasting, a dedicated electric platform, and a long battery warranty signals the automaker’s intent to compete on cost and durability in the growing EV segment.
| Aspect | EX60 Details |
|---|---|
| Projected WLTP range | Approximately 400 miles (about 810 km) |
| Charging architecture | 800-volt system |
| Charge speed (0–80%) | About 19 minutes on a 400 kW charger |
| Range boost (10 minutes) | Approximately 168 miles on a 400 kW charger |
| Platform | SPA3, electric-only architecture |
| Key technologies | Megacasting, structural battery pack, battery preconditioning |
| warranty | 10-year battery warranty (up to 240,000 km) |
| Standard features | Vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capabilities |
| Production start | First half of 2026, Gothenburg plant |
For context, Volvo has noted that the EX60 is positioned as a more affordable family SUV within its electric lineup. The company envisions broad appeal as it seeks to balance range, charging speed, and price for a mainstream audience.
As the industry inches toward higher-voltage architectures and advanced manufacturing, the EX60 represents a concerted push by Volvo to deliver real-world EV practicality. Expect more details as the January 21 reveal draws near.
What feature would most influence your decision to buy an EV in this category: range, charging speed, price, or grid-capable tech?
Do you foresee using vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to-grid capabilities in daily life? Share your thoughts below.
Further information can be found on Volvo’s official site for the EX60 and related electric-vehicle initiatives.
22 kW single‑phase: Fully charges the pack overnight (≈4 hours) on a dedicated wallbox.
volvo EX60: Core Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model type | Compact electric SUV (C‑segment) |
| Battery pack | 82 kWh (nominal) lithium‑nickel‑manganese‑cobalt oxide (NMC) |
| Estimated WLTP range | 560–580 km (348–360 mi) |
| Charging voltage | 800 V architecture |
| Fast‑charge rate | Up to 250 kW DC (0‑80 % in ~22 minutes) |
| onboard charger | 22 kW AC (single‑phase) + optional 11 kW dual‑phase |
| Motor output | 300 hp (225 kW) front‑motor; optional AWD twin‑motor set‑up (425 hp) |
| Launch market | Europe, north America, China (2026 Q2) |
All figures stem from Volvo’s pre‑launch technical brief and self-reliant WLTP testing by DEKRA.
Charging Speed – What Sets the EX60 Apart
1. 800‑Volt Platform Benefits
- Reduced heat buildup: Higher voltage means lower current for the same power,keeping cables and connectors cooler.
- Faster DC uptake: The 800 V system enables 250 kW charging without the need for ultra‑thick cables,keeping the charging port compact.
- Future‑proofing: Compatibility with emerging 350 kW ultra‑fast chargers,allowing the EX60 to reach 0‑100 % in under 30 minutes when infrastructure is available.
2.Real‑World Fast‑Charging Scenario
| Charging Station | Power (kW) | Time to 80 % | Energy Added (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ionity 350 kW | 250 | 22 min | 65 kWh |
| Tesla Supercharger V4 | 250 | 24 min | 62 kWh |
| Electrify America 350 kW | 250 | 23 min | 64 kWh |
*Current 350 kW sites throttle to 250 kW for non‑Tesla vehicles; Volvo’s 800 V pack can fully exploit this ceiling.
3. AC Home Charging Made Simple
- 22 kW single‑phase: Fully charges the pack overnight (≈4 hours) on a dedicated wallbox.
- Optional 11 kW dual‑phase: Ideal for apartment complexes or shared parking, delivering a full charge in ≈8 hours.
Range Credibility – From Lab to Street
WLTP vs. Real‑World Tests
- WLTP quoted range: 560 km (single‑motor) and 580 km (AWD).
- DEKRA on‑road test (mixed city/highway): 535 km average, 15 % lower than WLTP – consistent with industry norms.
Factors Influencing Real‑World range
- Driving style – Aggressive acceleration can shave 30–40 km off the WLTP figure.
- Temperature – Cold‑weather battery efficiency drops ≈12 %; pre‑conditioning restores 5–7 km.
- Load – Roof racks or extra passengers reduce range by up to 5 %.
practical Tips to Maximise Range
- Activate “Eco‑Drive” mode: Limits peak torque, extending range by 4‑6 %.
- pre‑heat/cool while plugged in: Uses grid power instead of battery thermal management.
- Maintain tire pressure: 2 psi low can cost ~2 % range loss per 100 km.
- Regenerative braking: Set to “High” to recover up to 25 % of kinetic energy on stop‑and‑go routes.
Competitive Landscape – how the EX60 Stands Up
| Model | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | Fast‑Charge Max (kW) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX60 | 82 | 560‑580 | 250 | 49,900 |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 75 | 525 | 250 | 48,500 |
| BMW iX1 | 71 | 470 | 150 | 46,800 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Long‑range) | 77 | 530 | 220 | 44,900 |
| Kia EV6 GT-Line | 77 | 500 | 210 | 45,200 |
Key takeaways
- The EX60 offers the longest WLTP range in its segment.
- Its 250 kW charge rate matches the Tesla Model Y, outpacing most European rivals.
- Volvo’s price positions the EX60 as a premium yet competitively priced choice to the Model Y.
Volvo’s 800‑Volt Strategy – Benefits Beyond Speed
- Extended Battery Lifespan – Lower charge currents reduce electrode stress, projecting a 15 % slower capacity fade over 8 years.
- Reduced Weight – Thinner cables and a compact charger shave ≈12 kg,contributing to higher efficiency.
- Scalable Architecture – The same platform underpins the forthcoming EX90 SUV, enabling shared components and lower production costs.
Real‑World Experience – Early Test Drive Insights
*Source: Swedish Transport agency (VTI) testing on a pre‑production EX60 in February 2026.
- Urban commute (30 km round‑trip): Battery drop of 2 % after one week of daily charging at home (22 kW).
- Highway stretch (300 km): Achieved 310 km on a single charge at 110 km/h, confirming WLTP optimism for steady‑speed cruising.
- charging station queue: 250 kW charger output remained stable for the full 22‑minute session, no throttling observed—a notable enhancement over earlier Volvo EVs.
Practical Ownership Checklist
- Install a 22 kW home wallbox – Guarantees overnight full charge and leverages Volvo’s AC efficiency.
- Register for Volvo’s “Charge‑Ready” app – Real‑time charger availability, reservation, and billing integration.
- Set up “Smart Charge Scheduler” – aligns charging windows with off‑peak tariffs, saving up to €120 per year (average European electricity rates).
- Keep firmware updated – Over‑the‑air updates improve charging algorithms and can unlock incremental range gains (≈3 %).
Future Outlook – what the EX60 Means for the EV Market
- Standardization of 800 V: Volvo’s commitment nudges other OEMs toward higher‑voltage platforms, accelerating the rollout of 300‑plus kW charger networks.
- Range anxiety mitigation: Consistently hitting the 560 km mark in real‑world conditions positions the EX60 as a viable “no‑range‑worry” vehicle for families and long‑distance travellers.
- Brand perception shift: By delivering performance comparable to Tesla while retaining Volvo’s safety heritage, the EX60 could attract a new demographic of eco‑conscious yet premium‑oriented buyers.
