Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Makes Early Appearance In China

Volvo has been teasing its upcoming EM90 minivan but photos from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology effectively revealed the electric model before its official debut that is scheduled for November 12.

Volvo’s first minivan is actually a rebadged version of the Zeekr 009 that debuted last year. This explains the shared body panels, greenhouse, and proportions between the two models. In fact, the profile looks identical, setting aside the different alloy wheels that measure 19 inches or 20 inches in diameter depending on the trim level.

More: Volvo To End All Diesel Model Production By Early 2024

Photo: MIIT

Thankfully, the EM90 adopts a unique face, incorporating styling features from other models in the Volvo lineup. Those include the signature Thor’s hammer LED headlights, the covered grille, and the bumper intakes, trying hard to look like the admittedly sleeker Volvo EX90 SUV flagship. Moving over to the back, the T-shaped taillights with chrome details and the Volvo lettering between them are the only notable differences compared to the Zeekr.

We don’t have photos of the interior, but we expect a similar amount of shared components, including the three-row six-seater layout, premium-grade upholstery options, and plenty of technology.

According to the documents from China, the Volvo EM90 measures 5,206 mm (205 inches) long, 2,024 mm (79.7 inches) wide, and 1,859 mm (73.2 inches) tall, with a generous wheelbase of 3,205 mm (126.2 inches) and a curb weight of 2,763 kg (6,091 pounds). For comparison, the Zeekr 009 is 3 mm (0.1 inches) longer, and 8 mm (0.3 inches) taller.

Photo: MIIT

We already knew that the Volvo EM90 rides on Geely’s SEA platform. However, unlike the Zeekr 009 which is exclusively available with dual electric motors producing a combined 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS), the Volvo EM90 comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor which is good for 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). As with all Volvo models, the top speed of the electric minivan is electronically limited to 180 km/h (112 mph).

The battery pack is manufactured by CATL Geely and uses the NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) technology, which makes us believe it is the same 116 kWh unit found in the base-spec Zeekr 009. Judging from the fact that the Volvo EM90 is RWD, its CLTC range could be longer than the 702 km (436 miles) promised by the AWD-only Zeekr sibling. It remains to be seen if the Volvo will also be offered with the larger 140 kWh CATL Qilin battery pack sometime in the future, further expanding its driving range.

Hopefully, all of our questions about the Volvo EM90 will be answered during its debut on November 12. The electric minivan will be produced in Zhejiang, China.

Photo: MIIT