Volvo Fixes EX90 SUV Bugs With Major Software Update
▼ Summary
– The Volvo EX90 SUV faced significant launch problems including blank infotainment screens, faulty climate controls, and non-functional lidar sensors.
– Volvo is upgrading the EX90 with an 800-volt architecture for faster charging and a new Nvidia-powered computer for improved safety and driver assistance features.
– A key new safety feature is Emergency Stop Assist, which brings the car to a controlled stop if the driver becomes unresponsive, such as during a medical emergency.
– Volvo’s future growth strategy includes a 50% volume increase and a $1.3 billion investment in its South Carolina factory to produce hybrid models.
– The company faces challenges, as evidenced by a 14% year-over-year global sales drop in August 2025, marking its lowest monthly volume for the year.
Volvo has rolled out a significant software and hardware update for its EX90 SUV, aiming to resolve a series of technical issues that have hampered the launch of this crucial electric vehicle. The three-row SUV, intended to be a flagship model, initially encountered numerous problems including unresponsive infotainment screens, malfunctioning climate controls, failures in driver assistance systems, and non-operational lidar sensors. This comprehensive update is designed to deliver the polished, high-tech experience originally promised.
A central component of this upgrade is the integration of a new 800-volt architecture, which promises substantially improved charging speeds. Furthermore, the vehicle’s computational power receives a major boost from the adoption of Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin system-on-a-chip. Volvo states that this new hardware will unlock enhanced capabilities for safety, collision avoidance, and driver support features, forming the technological backbone for a more reliable vehicle.
Safety enhancements are a key focus of the refresh. A standout addition is Emergency Stop Assist, a system designed to bring the car to a controlled halt within its lane if the driver becomes unresponsive to repeated alerts. This feature is particularly intended for scenarios where a driver experiences a sudden medical emergency, providing an added layer of security for all occupants.
This revitalization of the EX90 arrives at a pivotal moment for Volvo. The automaker is banking on a 50 percent increase in global sales volume over the next five years, supported by a massive $1.3 billion investment in its manufacturing facility in Charleston, South Carolina. The plant is slated to produce the XC60 mild and plug-in hybrid variants, along with a new, yet-to-be-named next-generation hybrid model by 2030. The path forward, however, presents challenges. The company faced a difficult August, with global sales dropping 14 percent year-over-year to just 49,273 vehicles, marking the lowest monthly volume of 2025 and underscoring the importance of a successful EX90 relaunch.
(Source: The Verge)
