How is the Volvo ES90 Raising the Bar for EV Sustainability?

Volvo’s EV range will expand with the ES90, a fully electric saloon designed to deliver low emissions and high performance. 

Production begins in late 2025, and the ES90 boasts a range of climate credentials including recycled materials, smart energy systems and carbon-neutral charging.

Volvo’s electric strategy hinges on transparency. Every fully-electric model released by the automaker comes with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a third-party verified report that breaks down the carbon emissions across the car’s entire life—from raw material extraction through to end-of-life. That includes the ES90, now the brand’s lowest carbon model to date.

“We go above and beyond existing legislation and have clear ambitions because that is important to us,” says 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.”

Carbon footprint under the charger

The ES90 demonstrates how the energy behind EV charging matters. According to Volvo, when using Europe’s standard energy mix, the ES90 produces a carbon footprint of 31 tonnes. 

But when charged with wind power, that drops to 26 tonnes—a saving of five tonnes simply by choosing renewable electricity.

Compared with other Volvo models, the numbers show a big leap forward. 

The ES90’s footprint is about 50% lower than the mild hybrid Volvo S90, and 30% lower than its plug-in hybrid equivalent. It also beats the EX40 and EC40 electric models, making it Volvo’s cleanest vehicle in production.

The stats reflect the importance of greener charging options, but also stronger engineering. 

The ES90 is the first Volvo to feature an 800-volt electric system. This allows for lighter parts, quicker charging and improved energy efficiency. 

Alongside that, the car’s aerodynamic shape achieves a drag coefficient of 0.25—the best result in Volvo Cars’ history.

“We are resolute in our belief that our future is electric,” says Jim Rowan, Former Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “An electric car provides a superior driving experience and increases possibilities for using advanced technologies that improve the overall customer experience. 

“However, it is clear that the transition to electrification will not be linear and customers and markets are moving at different speeds of adoption. We are pragmatic and flexible, while retaining an industry-leading position on electrification and sustainability.”

Designed for zero tailpipe emissions

The ES90’s zero tailpipe emissions are just one part of the story. The rest is built into its components. Volvo has prioritised recycled and bio-based materials across the car’s structure, using:

• 29% recycled aluminium
• 18% recycled steel
• 16% recycled polymers and bio-based materials

In the cabin, options include FSC-certified wood and Nordico upholstery—made from recycled PET bottles and plant-based inputs. All of this contributes to a lower carbon footprint without compromising comfort or design.

The car also includes Volvo’s blockchain-based battery passport. This gives owners access to data on the battery’s health and the origin of raw materials. It’s a tool that adds transparency to the most energy-intensive part of EV production.

A track record in EV reporting

Volvo was the first global carmaker to commit to publishing LCA reports for all its fully electric models. These reports help customers compare the environmental impact of EVs across their full lifecycle, not just based on tailpipe emissions.

To date, Volvo has released reports for:

• EX40
• EC40
• EX30
• EX90
• ES90

By publicly sharing this data, Volvo aims to help drivers make more informed decisions and push the EV market towards greater accountability.

With the ES90, Volvo proves it’s not just building electric vehicles—it’s building them better, with low-impact materials, renewable energy and end-to-end visibility across the production chain.