Volvo Cars is set to make a significant impact on South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market with the upcoming launch of its flagship SUV, the EX90, scheduled for the first half of 2025.
This move comes at a crucial time as the South African automotive landscape is gradually shifting towards electrification, although it remains in its early stages.
In 2024, only 0.24% of all vehicles sold in South Africa were battery electric vehicles (BEVs), highlighting the potential for growth in this sector.
The EX90 is not just another addition to Volvo’s lineup; it represents the company’s commitment to safety, luxury, and sustainability.
Engineered to be the safest vehicle in Volvo’s history, the EX90 features an innovative “invisible safety shield” that integrates advanced technologies such as cameras, radars, and LiDAR.
These systems work together to provide enhanced protection for both occupants and pedestrians, addressing growing consumer concerns about safety in electric SUVs.
Volvo has seen notable success in South Africa with its recent models, particularly the EX30 compact SUV, which achieved impressive sales figures in 2024.
The EX30 accounted for over 32% of the BEV market, demonstrating how a well-designed and competitively priced electric vehicle can perform even in a challenging market.
This success sets a strong foundation for the EX90, which promises to offer a luxurious experience without compromising on performance.
The EX90 boasts remarkable specifications, including an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and a range of up to 751 km on urban drives.
This addresses common concerns about range anxiety among potential EV buyers, making it an appealing option for those considering long-distance travel in an electric vehicle.
Additionally, the EX90’s large 111 kWh battery can be rapidly charged from 10% to 80% in only 30 minutes using a high-capacity DC fast charger.
As South Africa continues to expand its EV infrastructure, including ultrafast charging networks, Volvo’s timing could not be better. The company aims for electrified vehicles—both BEVs and plug-in hybrids—to account for up to 90-100% of its global sales by 2030.
This ambitious goal reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
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The introduction of the EX90 will not only enhance Volvo’s product lineup but also diversify options available to consumers in South Africa.
Currently, there are limited affordable BEV models in the country, which has hindered widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
The arrival of luxury electric SUVs like the EX90 could encourage more consumers to consider switching from traditional combustion engines.
Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volvo Car South Africa, expressed confidence that the EX90 will resonate with families seeking spacious and luxurious SUVs without compromising their choice for an electric vehicle.
He noted that the EX90 has already garnered significant international acclaim and is expected to redefine perceptions of electrified luxury.
Local pricing and specifications for the EX90 will be announced closer to its launch later this year. As South Africa looks towards a more sustainable future, Volvo’s entry into the EV market with the EX90 could serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging other manufacturers to expand their electric offerings and ultimately leading to increased consumer interest in electric vehicles across the nation.
With its focus on safety, performance, and luxury, Volvo is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s evolving automotive landscape.
