According to Insideevs, Volvo is enhancing the user experience for its premium electric SUV lineup by introducing seamless automated payments. This move addresses one of the primary friction points for EV owners: navigating various third-party apps and hardware interfaces at public charging hubs.
Expanded network compatibility
The Plug & Charge feature will be functional across more than 35,000 fast chargers in the United States. This includes major infrastructure providers such as the Tesla Supercharger network and Ionna networks, with additional companies expected to join the ecosystem in the coming months. By establishing a payment profile during the initial vehicle setup, owners can enjoy a frictionless transition from driving to charging.
The rollout schedule varies slightly by model:
- The EX90 is already receiving the update for current owners.
- The EX60 will receive the capability as U.S. deliveries commence later this year.
- Model year 2025 EX90 owners may require a free hardware upgrade to the Nvidia Orin computer at a service center to enable the feature.
Performance and navigation integration
pThe update complements Volvo's existing high-performance charging capabilities. The EX60, built on an 800-volt SPA3 platform, can achieve maximum rates of 370 kilowatts at compatible stations. This allows the vehicle to reach a charge between 10% and 80% in approximately 19 minutes. Furthermore, the top-spec P12 AWD variant is capable of adding up to 173 miles of range in just 10 minutes when utilizing a 400-kW charger.
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To assist with long-distance travel, Volvo has integrated Google Maps into its Android Automotive operating system. The system automatically calculates optimal routes and suggests charging stops based on the vehicle's real-time state of charge. This combination of automated payment, high-speed hardware, and intelligent routing represents a significant step toward making electric vehicle ownership more convenient for mainstream consumers.