The Volvo EX90 is making waves as a flagship all-electric luxury SUV, promising both comfort and sustainability. Weighing in at a substantial 5,400 pounds, this vehicle aims to deliver a premium driving experience coupled with the environmental benefits of electric power. One of its key selling points is its impressive EPA range rating of 310 miles on a full charge, specifically for models equipped with 21-inch wheels. This, combined with its DC fast charging capability of up to 250 kilowatts, positions the EX90 as a potentially excellent choice for long road trips. However, as many drivers know, the numbers on paper don’t always translate directly into real-world performance. Let’s delve deeper into how the EX90 fares outside the controlled environment of standardized testing.
Enter Kris Rifa, a well-known EV enthusiast and tester, who recently conducted what is believed to be the first real-world highway range test of the Volvo EX90. Rifa rented a brand-new EX90 in Spain to rigorously assess its performance under typical driving conditions. The tested model was the Performance variant, equipped with the aforementioned 21-inch wheels, which carries the 310-mile EPA rating in the United States.
Rifa’s testing methodology involved driving at a constant speed of 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour) on a Spanish highway. To mitigate the impact of elevation changes, he performed a loop, ensuring that any uphill segments were balanced by corresponding downhill sections. The test concluded at the same Ionity DC fast charging station where it began. The weather conditions were ideal, with mild winds and a temperature of approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).
After completing the loop, the EX90 reported an average energy efficiency of 2.38 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or 26 kWh per 100 kilometers. Given the EX90’s usable battery capacity of 107 kWh, this translates to a real-world range of approximately 255 miles (410 km) at 75 mph. Factoring in an estimated 3% for energy losses, the range drops slightly to 247 miles (399 km).
While a range of 247 miles is respectable for a large, 5,400-pound SUV, it falls significantly short of the advertised 310-mile EPA rating. It’s important to note that the EPA’s testing cycle includes a mix of city and highway driving, which typically yields higher range figures than sustained high-speed travel.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA Rated Range (with 21-inch wheels) | 310 miles |
| Real-World Range at 75 mph | 255 miles (247 miles with 3% loss) |
| Average Energy Efficiency (Rifa’s Test) | 2.38 miles/kWh |
| Usable Battery Capacity | 107 kWh |
Interestingly, the EX90’s real-world energy consumption, as displayed on the vehicle’s screen, closely aligns with the EPA’s window sticker estimate: 2.38 miles/kWh versus 2.5 miles/kWh (40 kWh/100 miles) for the 21-inch wheel version. This suggests that the discrepancy between the EPA rating and the real-world range may be primarily due to the higher sustained speed used in Rifa’s test.
Indeed, lower average speeds would likely result in improved energy efficiency and a longer range. For instance, InsideEVs conducts its highway range tests at a slightly lower speed of 70 mph, which could yield different results.
As more Volvo EX90s become available in the United States, further testing will provide a more comprehensive understanding of its real-world performance. Until then, Rifa’s test offers valuable insights into the Swedish EV’s high-speed efficiency. We at InsideEVs plan to conduct our own tests when we get our hands on the EX90, and we’ll be sure to share our findings. The Volvo EX90, with its blend of luxury and electric efficiency, remains a compelling option for those seeking a sustainable and comfortable ride.
