Can EVs like the new Volvo EX90 Electric Car be easily charged on the UK roads?

Is it easy to charge an EV on the UK roads like the new Volvo EX90 Electric Car?

A positive start to this Wednesday 4 September 2024, with the New Automotive group confirming yet another growth in battery car sales for August 2024. As the stats set out, there has been a more wide-ranging market share with Tesla no longer the only dominant force in this segment.

Indeed, August did see Mercedes, BMW and the Stellantis group feature more heavily in the product demographic. The total of 17,786 registrations means that all-electric cars now form over 23% of the market for August 2024, which demonstrates that the UK’s market is generally compliant with the obligations under the ZEV Mandate .

As of 2024, each manufacturer must ensure some 22% of their new cars are zero-emission, with this increasing to some 28% next year (2025). But the team at cap hpi have been a little more cautious, issuing warnings about discounts and aggressive sales strategies in the build up to a brand meeting its demands.

Circulating today on motortader.com , in-line with these stats, there is a more sobering thought being pushed into the public domain. Certain brands do have to be careful as to how they discount and incentivise their prospective customers. But not every EV which is being innovated and launched in 2024 / 2025 will be luxury or high-value.

Costs aside, there are still queries being raised by non-EV drivers about the process and availability of charge points. While “the lack of charging infrastructure” is a less common submission for not going into an electric car, it is still something which is often proffered in conversation. This is an aspect which has been addressed more aggressively, with a number of private charge point companies investing into local infrastructure.

This isn’t just about the service station setups; there are more destination and local points being used to allow EV drivers to charge their vehicles. Many of these being installed are known as rapid chargers. A great example of this, is the recent installation project in Stockport (Manchester), where Be.EV have put in place a 15-bay charge point hub at the Decathlon.

As local Stockport residents can see on the Stockport Council website this will receive an official announcement and open-day on 8 September 2024. With up to 150kW on these charging facilities, these will offer a robust experience.

When you are researching the charging aspect of your vehicle you do need to understand the rapid charging capability. This will be shown on your vehicle with a number followed by DC. Not every EV will be able to charge at the same speed when it comes to rapid charging, so this should be considered if you are likely to undertake regular charging sessions.

In particular, for high-mileage company car drivers, who will be using the public destination charging, you have to understand your EV’s ability. Without over-complicating the analysis your EV will have a numeric figure, often between 75 - 250kW, so that you can appreciate the maximum capacity.

Now this is not an instant process, and there will be a build-up of energy intake until it reaches this maximum. In many cases, after the EV has reached 80% state of charge, the speed of the charging will slow down. However, you will note that the time taken to go from 10 - 80% will alter dramatically according to the EV’s DC metrics. It’s very easy to fall for the mantra “charge while you order a coffee” without properly understanding what exactly this will constitute.

Introducing the New Volvo EX90 Elctric Car

One such manufacturer hoping to win the UK’s business leasing market over for 2024 and 2025, is Volvo. Their brand-new EX90, which starts from £96,255, is a 7-seater family SUV which offers supreme luxury and safety.

With just one spec level - the Ultra - this will include options like the Air Purifier, 4-zone climate control, heat pump, heated steering wheel, 14.5” centre display, 360 degree camera, 9” driver display, active air suspension, BLIS, HUD, 22” alloys, panoramic glass sunroof, tinted rear windows, seat massage, 4-way lumbar support, Bowers and Wilkins sound system and wireless phone charging.

For battery choices, you can elect for the standard Twin Motor or upgrade (for nearly £4,500) to the Twin Motor Performance:

•  Twin Motor - this AWD SUV will have a 107 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.9 seconds, 112mph top speeds and 300 kW (or 402hp). Expect a combined winter range of 245 miles with warmer weather allowing for 325 miles – a 290 mile combined. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 11 hour and 30 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 250 kW DC maximum allowing 32 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 310L is available with this car (although this is 1915L with the seats reclined). It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 110 mpg. You can tow  750kg (Unbraked) and 2200kg (Braked) with this option. It also has full Bidirectional capabilities with V2L, V2H and V2G all planned to feature. The Heat Pump is standard; and

• Twin Motor Performance - this AWD SUV will have a 107 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.9 seconds, 112mph top speeds and 380 kW (or 510hp). Expect a combined winter range of 240 miles with warmer weather allowing for 315 miles – a 280 mile combined. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 11 hour and 30 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 250 kW DC maximum allowing 32 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 310L is available with this car (although this is 1915L with the seats reclined). It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 106 mpg. You can tow  750kg (Unbraked) and 2200kg (Braked) with this option. It also has full Bidirectional capabilities with V2L, V2H and V2G all planned to feature. The Heat Pump is standard.

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