With the announced conversion to all-electric, the next cars will evolve considerably. Rest assured, these vehicles will still have a steering wheel and a pedals to accelerate and brake, but the interior architecture will be disrupted. Like the entire automotive industry, Volvo is preparing for this breakthrough. In 2030, the Swedish manufacturer planned that its catalog will only offer 100% electric vehicles. The switch to electric propulsion makes it possible to completely rethink the architecture and completely free itself from the constraints inherent in a thermal model. The switch to electric is a boon for designers who will be able to draw silhouettes devoid of overhangs and equipped with wheels at all four corners, a guarantee of balanced lines.This is reflected in the VolvoRecharge concept which inaugurates a new formal language and announces the next generation of the XC90.
To discover
What responsibility at the wheel of an “autonomous car”?
Volvo
This large SUV, whose volumes could have inspired a future Renault Espace, has worked on its aerodynamics, which is essential for autonomy.
This concept adopts a closed grille and very fluid lines marked by a fleeting roof line like that of a coupe and a vertical drop.
The next generation of Volvo will draw heavily on this slender concept.
Volvo
The treatment of the interior has been completely redesigned and takes advantage of the electric propulsion to eliminate the transmission tunnel and have an entirely flat floor, for the benefit of roominess and passenger comfort. The new architecture also offers more freedom in terms of arrangement of storage spaces. Finally, the dashboard is largely inspired by Tesla with the removal of all buttons and a man / machine interface based on a large 15-inch vertical touch screen. Already designed for autonomous driving, this concept incorporates a Lidar sensor on the roof. It can thus easily collect data on the environment of the car.
Along with the emergence of a new stylistic language, Volvo is continuing to develop electrical technologies.
This is how the Swedish manufacturer is working in two directions: increasing the electric range and shortening the recharging times of the battery.
Volvo is working with battery manufacturer Northvolt on a new generation of batteries based on NMC chemistry (nickel, manganese, cobalt) with a higher energy density of up to 700 WH.
It should be available from the end of 2025. By 2030, Volvo hopes to be able to market electric vehicles with a range of 1,000 km.
Volvo
