Volvo has released lifecycle analysis data showing its flagship luxury sedan produces fewer carbon emissions than the company’s smaller crossover models over a 200,000-kilometer lifespan.
The all-electric ES90 generates 26 tonnes of CO2 emissions when charged with wind power – one tonne less than the smaller EX40 and EC40 models.
The Swedish automaker’s Life Cycle Assessment report tracks emissions from manufacturing through charging over 124,000 miles of driving. Using a typical European energy mix, the ES90’s total footprint reaches 31 tonnes.
That’s still 50% cleaner than the mild hybrid S90 and 30% better than the plug-in hybrid version.
Sustainable Materials Drive Lower Emissions
The ES90 achieves its low carbon footprint through extensive use of recycled content. The luxury sedan contains 29% recycled aluminum, 18% recycled steel, and 16% recycled polymers throughout its construction.
Volvo uses FSC-certified wood in the cabin. An optional Nordico upholstery comes from recycled PET bottles and bio-attributed materials.
Only the compact EX30 crossover beats the ES90’s environmental performance, producing 23 tonnes of CO2 over its lifecycle.
The ES90 runs on Volvo’s new 800V electrical system, delivering up to 435 miles of range. The architecture features lighter electric motors, upgraded battery cells, and improved thermal management compared to earlier Volvo EVs.
Battery options include 92kWh and 106kWh packs with blockchain-based “passports” that track the source of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite used in production.
Volvo built the ES90 on parent company Geely’s SPA-2 platform – the same foundation used for the EX90 and Polestar 3 SUVs.
The sedan achieves a drag coefficient of 0.25cD, making it the most aerodynamically efficient Volvo ever produced.
“We go above and beyond existing legislation and have clear ambitions because that is important to us,” said Vanessa Butani, head of global sustainability at Volvo Cars. “We aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and our ambition to be a leader in electrification is one step in that direction.”
She added that the ES90 represents Volvo’s approach to sustainability across manufacturing and business practices.
Market Availability
Production of the ES90 begins this summer, with order books now open in European markets.
Initial availability includes the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Finland, and Sweden. Volvo plans to announce additional markets later this year and into 2026.
The ES90 marks Volvo’s continued push toward full electrification as the company works toward its 2040 net-zero emissions target.
