The Geely Group of China has commenced mass production of Volvo's inaugural minivan, the EM90. Essentially a rebadged version of the Zeekr 009 multi-purpose vehicle, the Volvo EM90 will initially be exclusively available in China at a price point of $115,000 USD, with deliveries slated to commence in March of the current year.
Debuting in China on November 12, 2023, the Volvo EM90 is constructed upon Geely's versatile SEA platform, also utilized in vehicles such as the Polestar 4, Lotus Eletre, and Emeya (enhanced and dubbed EPA), among others. With dimensions measuring 5206/2024/1859 mm and a wheelbase of 3205 mm, the EM90 accommodates six passengers in a 2+2+2 configuration, boasting an impressive audio setup comprising 21 Bowers & Wilkins speakers. Powering the Volvo EM90 is a 200-kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle, fueled by a 116-kWh battery, delivering a commendable CLTC range of 738 km. In China, the starting price for the Volvo EM90 is set at 818,000 yuan (equivalent to $115,000 USD).
In essence, the Volvo EM90 is a refined iteration of the Zeekr 009 MPV, featuring enhanced interior detailing and minor exterior adjustments. However, unlike its Zeekr counterpart, which offers 4WD with a 400 kW output and a starting price of 500,000 yuan ($70,400 USD), the EM90 presents customers with fewer features at a significantly higher cost.
On February 6, production of the Volvo EM90 commenced, signaling the initiation of mass production. Images from the assembly line were shared by the Swedish automaker, affirming the vehicle's role in advancing the brand's comprehensive electrification efforts.
Manufactured alongside models such as the Zeekr 009, Zeekr 001, Zeekr 001 FR, Jiyue 01, and Polestar 4 at Geely's Hangzhou Bay plant in China, the Volvo EM90 contributes to the plant's annual peak capacity of 300,000 units. Last year saw the Zeekr 001 electric liftback achieving 90% of its daily production rate, indicating a significant diversification in the factory's model lineup.
While the Volvo EM90 is based on a Chinese platform and assembled in a Chinese facility, its Swedish heritage is subject to scrutiny. Nevertheless, Volvo intends to commence deliveries of the EM90 in March, with no indication of its availability outside of China at present.