Volvo Highlights EX60’s Impressive Range and Fast Charging Before Launch

Volvo is gradually revealing details about its upcoming midsize electric SUV, the EX60, ahead of its official launch on January 21st. This new model boasts an impressive estimated range of 400 miles (or 810 km according to the generous WLTP standard in Europe), surpassing any previous Volvo EV—at least until the ES90 sedan arrives with its 434-mile range. The EX60 will also be the first to utilize Volvo’s innovative megacasting production method, aimed at reducing weight and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Akhil Krishnan, the head of program management for the EX60, emphasized the goal of creating an electric vehicle that offers no compromises. “It shouldn’t be a compromise for you to choose to drive electric, so that was very, very important for us,” he stated. To achieve this, Krishnan and his team prioritized improving both the vehicle’s range and charging time, aiming to turn “range anxiety” into “range comfort.” The idea is that drivers will have so much range that it won’t be a concern, much like how gasoline car buyers don’t base their decisions solely on fuel tank size.

Charging speed is equally crucial. Extensive customer research revealed that many EV owners felt they had to plan their lives around charging stops, often waiting 40 minutes or more. Volvo aims for the EX60 to fit seamlessly into everyday breaks. For example, if a driver stops for a quick coffee or restroom break, the vehicle should be ready to hit the road again in that time frame.

Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, a first for Volvo, the EX60 is set to meet these expectations. Other manufacturers, such as Hyundai and Kia, have gained attention for their fast-charging 800-volt vehicles, and Volvo is looking to follow suit. The EX60 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 19 minutes, or add 168 miles of range in a mere 10 minutes when connected to a 400kW fast charger.

While finding a charger that can deliver such speeds may still be a challenge, especially in the US, the situation is improving. Krishnan noted that Volvo aims to provide excellent charging performance not only on 400kW chargers but also on the more commonly available 250kW units.

Built on Volvo’s new SPA3 platform, which is designed exclusively for electric vehicles without the constraints of combustion engine legacy, the EX60 doesn’t rely on battery breakthroughs for its enhanced range. Instead, it leverages advancements in manufacturing, such as megacasting and a structural battery pack, to reduce weight and improve vehicle integrity. Additionally, it will feature battery preconditioning to ensure the battery is at the optimal temperature for fast charging.

The new platform not only saves weight but also cuts costs, with estimated component-level savings of 20-35%, helping to keep the pricing competitive with gas and hybrid models. Volvo plans to price the EX60 similarly to the XC60 plug-in hybrid, which currently starts around $63,000.

For the first time, Volvo is also offering a global 10-year battery warranty covering up to 240,000 km, extending its previous eight-year coverage. According to Krishnan, this reflects the company’s confidence in its in-house battery development and manufacturing capabilities.

The EX60 will come equipped with additional features, including vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functionality as standard across all markets and trims. Volvo has partnered with a Swedish energy provider to explore how the EX60 and other Volvo EVs can contribute to grid stability.

Krishnan views the EX60 as a vital addition to Volvo’s EV lineup, filling the gap for a family SUV that is more affordable than the pricier three-row EX90, which starts at over $80,000. “So it’s a very big addressable market for the car,” he remarked.

Production of the EX60 is set to begin in the first half of 2026 at Volvo’s Gothenburg factory.