How is Volvo Using Carbon-Neutral Energy for EV Charging?
EV batteries play a crucial role in the net zero transition; they enable the decarbonisation of transport and logistics, whilst simultaneously supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.
Volvo is joining the journey towards climate-neutral energy by kickstarting the production of its fully electric ES90 in late 2025.
As standard, the automaker releases Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reports for all of its fully electric models globally - including the ES90 - which includes all materials and processes involved in the car's carbon footprint.
European energy for the ES90
For the ES90 model, the total carbon footprint is 31 tonnes when using European energy mix to charge it.
When using wind energy to charge the ES90, the carbon footprint only equated to 26 tonnes – losing five tonnes by using renewable energy.
With the European energy mix present, the ES90’s footprint is approximately 50% lower than the Volvo S90 mild hybrid.
Also within the mix, the ES90 is 30% lower than a plug-in hybrid S90 and generally lower than the EX40 and EC40.
“We go above and beyond existing legislation and have clear ambitions because that is important to us,” comments 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.
“The ES90 represents our holistic approach to sustainability, including the circular economy, climate-neutral manufacturing and responsible business.”
Reducing vehicle emissions
Due to Volvo’s sustainable initiatives, the ES90 has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any Volvo car to date.
It also demonstrates that fully electric cars are a good choice both for consumers and for the climate.
The third-party verified LCA report identifies the key contributing materials and processes to the car’s carbon footprint.
Focused on GHG emissions, the report covers the car’s life cycle, starting with the extraction and refining of raw materials and ending with the car’s end-of-life.
“We are resolute in our belief that our future is electric,” says Jim Rowan, Former Chief Executive of Volvo Cars.
âAn electric car provides a superior driving experience and increases possibilities for using advanced technologies that improve the overall customer experience.
âHowever, it is clear that the transition to electrification will not be linear and customers and markets are moving at different speeds of adoption.
âWe are pragmatic and flexible, while retaining an industry-leading position on electrification and sustainability.â
A holistic EV approach
When Volvo first launched its first fully electric car, Volvo was the first car marker that pledged to release LCA reports for all its global fully electric models.
By announcing reports publicly, Volvo is aiming to inform customers about choosing their next EV.
Since its first EV, Volvo has released LCA reports for five models, including:
- EX40
- EC40
- EX30
- EX90
- ES90
In addition to being a fully electric car with zero tailpipe emissions, the ES90 has been designed with a holistic approach towards sustainability. For example, it is the first Volvo car equipped with the companyâs new 800-volt electric system.
This creates benefits in terms of charging and energy efficiency, thanks to lighter components that reduce the carâs overall weight.
The carâs design also helps to improve efficiency and delivers a drag coefficient of 0.25, the best in Volvo Cars history.
The ES90 is built with approximately 29% recycled aluminium, 18% recycled steel, as well as 16% recycled polymers and bio-based materials such as real, FSC-certified wood in the cabin.
Inside, customers can pick a Nordico upholstery option made from recycled material such as PET bottles and bio-attributed material.
The ES90 also comes with Volvo Carsâ world-first battery passport, based on blockchain technology that allows the company to track the origin of raw materials and the overall health of the battery.
