Summary
- Volvo is the only European car company to successfully use "core compute" technology
- Five new all-electric Volvos will be launched this decade on next-generation platforms
- Volvo is investing heavily in advancing connectivity, safety, and ADAS systems through core compute technology
- New technology announcements include a collaboration with Nvidia, new software stack, and five new EVs globally by the end of the decade
- Volvo’s new EVs will be built on platforms with third-generation electric motors and high energy density cells, with a standardized tech stack for all future models
Article
Volvo Leads in Core Compute Technology
Volvo has positioned itself as a leader in core compute technology, with plans to launch five new all-electric vehicles this decade. The company is heavily investing in building out this technology to improve connectivity, safety, and ADAS systems in its cars. The EX60 mid-size electric SUV will be the first to debut the next-generation SPA3 platform, with the ES90 electric sedan set to follow soon after. Volvo’s recent technology announcements include a collaboration with Nvidia, a new software stack, a brand new SPA3 platform, and the launch of five new electric cars by the end of the decade.
Five New EVs on the Horizon
The newly launched EX90 electric SUV serves as a stepping stone for Volvo’s next-generation EVs. The company’s learnings from this model will aid in the development of the ES90 electric sedan, which is expected to be unveiled in the coming months. The ES90 will be built on the same SPA2 architecture as the EX90, with plans to target global audiences, including the EU, U.S., and Asia. The EX60 mid-size electric SUV is slated to be the next mass-market vehicle, based on the SPA3 platform, with three additional unnamed EVs in development.
SPA3 Platform Advancements
Volvo’s forthcoming SPA3 platform will feature third-generation electric motors with increased efficiency. The company aims to improve on the 91% efficiency of its current SPA2 platform and achieve 93% efficiency with SPA3 motors. This platform will also incorporate structural battery packs and new high-energy density cells. Furthermore, Volvo plans to scale the platform to accommodate larger and smaller vehicles within its electric lineup.
"Superset" Tech Stack
Volvo introduced its "Superset" tech stack, a standardized set of modules, software, and hardware that all future models will incorporate. The tech stack will act as a selection of building blocks that can be configured in various ways across different vehicles. The EX60 will be the first to utilize this architecture, with the goal of enhancing ADAS features and autonomous driving capabilities. The partnership with Nvidia includes equipping future models with the Drive Thor SoC, capable of 1,000 trillion operations per second.
Global Electrification Commitment
Volvo CEO Jim Rowan emphasized the company’s commitment to electrification, with a goal of achieving 90-100% electrification by 2030. He anticipates that 50-60% of global sales will be electrified by 2025. The expansion of the partnership with Nvidia and the introduction of high-tech EVs and PHEVs across global markets highlight Volvo’s focus on advancing the EV transition. While the driving range and charging experience improvements were not extensively discussed, Volvo’s dedication to electric vehicles and innovation is evident.
Future Outlook and Conclusion
Volvo’s strides in core compute technology, the launch of five new EVs, advancements in SPA3 platform efficiency, and the introduction of the "Superset" tech stack position the company as a key player in the electric vehicle market. The collaboration with Nvidia and focus on electrification underscore Volvo’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The transition to electric vehicles is a priority for the company, with plans to lead the charge in developing cutting-edge EV technology. The future looks promising for Volvo and its efforts to drive the electric vehicle transition on a global scale.
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