Volvo’s much-anticipated all-electric EX90 SUV has faced a recent six-month delay, and the reason behind it has finally been revealed. According to Volvo Cars’ CEO, Jim Rowan, the setback is due to the intricate software complexity of its advanced LiDAR system, a first for Volvo vehicles.
Though the EX90 is not the first production car to adopt LiDAR technology, it marks Volvo’s pioneering venture into this realm. During the brand’s latest earnings call, Rowan emphasized that the primary cause for the “five- or six-month delay” was the intricate software code associated with the advanced safety system. He revealed that much of the software is being developed in-house to ensure that when LiDAR is incorporated into the safety stack, it operates seamlessly and as intended.
Volvo has partnered with Luminar Technologies, a prominent self-driving sensor startup, for the LiDAR system in the EX90. This cutting-edge technology, alongside cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors, constitutes the vehicle’s advanced road-monitoring package. The LiDAR has a remarkable range of detecting pedestrians up to 820 feet (250 meters) away, enhancing safety significantly.
Rowan underscored the importance of LiDAR for real-life safety, citing research that suggests adding LiDAR to vehicles can reduce accidents with severe outcomes by up to 20 percent and improve overall crash avoidance by up to 9 percent.
The integration of Luminar’s Sentinel software into the EX90’s in-car software is a crucial step in the development process, contributing to the delay. However, the potential benefits and safety advantages offered by LiDAR make this effort worthwhile.
Despite the postponement in production, Volvo remains confident in the EX90’s success. The vehicle will be manufactured at Volvo’s Ridgeville factory in South Carolina, and although initial plans aimed for late 2023 production, it is now expected to hit the market in mid-2024. Former Volvo Americas boss, Anders Gustafsson, predicts that the EX90 will become Volvo’s best-selling EV in the United States, making it a highly anticipated addition to the EV market.
