Volvo has released initial details for its upcoming 2026 EX60 electric SUV, announcing a preliminary range of up to 810 kilometers. Built on the SPA3 platform with an 800-volt electrical system, the vehicle will also feature advanced charging capabilities and the brand's first use of megacasting technology. A full reveal for the EX60 is scheduled for January 21.
Range and Performance
The EX60 is projected to offer a preliminary range of up to 810 kilometers for an all-wheel-drive model, which Volvo states is the longest range announced for a battery-electric vehicle in its current lineup. The vehicle is built on Volvo's SPA3 electric vehicle architecture, which incorporates an 800-volt electrical system. Full details regarding battery energy content and the specific all-wheel-drive system are expected at the vehicle's world premiere.
For comparison, the larger Volvo EX90, based on the SPA2 platform, utilizes 101 or 107 kWh batteries and achieves a maximum WLTP range of 614 kilometers. The EX60 is positioned to compete with vehicles such as the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, which offers an 805-kilometer WLTP range, a 345 kW all-wheel-drive system, and a 108 kWh net energy content battery. The EX60 is anticipated to feature a similar battery energy content to its competitors.
Charging Capabilities
The EX60's 800-volt electrical system is designed to facilitate faster charging than previous Volvo electric vehicles. The company states the EX60 can gain up to 340 kilometers of range in approximately ten minutes when connected to a 400-kW fast charger. This charging performance is reported to be achievable in various weather conditions, indicating the integration of preconditioning features. The anticipated peak charging power is expected to exceed the 350 kW capacity of the SPA2-based ES90. The 800-volt electrical system is also being adopted by the EX90 for its 2026 model year and was introduced in the ES90.
Technological Innovations
Several advancements contribute to the EX60's announced specifications:
- Battery Cell Design: A new cell design aims to balance energy density and power delivery, contributing to extended driving range.
- Energy Transfer: The 800-volt electrical system, combined with in-house developed software, facilitates efficient energy transfer during charging, intended to reduce heat generation and cooling energy requirements.
- Materials: Lighter materials are utilized in the charging system.
- Battery Integration: The EX60 employs cell-to-body technology, integrating the battery directly into the vehicle structure. Electric motors are developed in-house. All EX60 customers will receive a 10-year battery warranty.
- Megacasting: The EX60 marks the first production Volvo to utilize megacasting, a manufacturing process that produces large, precision-cast components in a single piece. This method replaces numerous smaller parts, with the aim of simplifying production, reducing component weight, and contributing to increased range.
Anders Bell, Volvo's Chief Technology Officer, stated that the vehicle's design and new electric vehicle architecture aim to address customer concerns about switching to electric cars, including range anxiety.