Luminar Technology Selected for New All-Electric Volvo ES90
Luminar, a global leader in automotive technology, has announced that its cutting-edge sensing technology will be featured in the new Volvo ES90, an all-electric premium sedan scheduled to enter production this year. This marks the second time Volvo has selected Luminar’s advanced LiDAR technology for its vehicle lineup, following the integration of Luminar’s system into the Volvo EX90, the company’s flagship electric SUV, which is now being delivered to customers.
“We’re proud to be selected in conjunction with industry leaders like NVIDIA for a second global automotive launch as Volvo Cars expands its new lineup,” said Austin Russell, Founder and CEO of Luminar. “The Volvo ES90 will help scale our safety-critical technology at a time when consumers, automakers, and regulators alike are demanding the most advanced sensing capabilities in their roadmaps — and this is just the beginning.”
Enhancing Safety with Advanced LiDAR Technology
Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Software Engineering at Volvo Cars, underscored the importance of integrating Luminar’s LiDAR system into the new ES90. “The Iris LiDAR on the ES90 will complement an advanced set of sensors and enable exceptional perception to help keep everyone safe inside and around the car,” Bakkenes stated. “The selection of the Iris LiDAR builds on our partnership with Luminar and our shared commitment to automotive safety.”
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is an advanced remote sensing technology that utilizes pulsed laser beams to measure distances with high precision and accuracy. When paired with other sensors such as radars, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR continuously scans the environment ahead of the vehicle. This allows the system to generate a detailed, three-dimensional representation of the car’s surroundings, enabling more precise detection of objects, road conditions, and potential hazards.
One of the key advantages of Luminar’s LiDAR system is its ability to function effectively in low-light conditions. Unlike traditional camera-based systems that rely on visible light, LiDAR operates independently of ambient lighting, making it particularly useful for nighttime driving, where a significant number of accidents occur. The system can detect pedestrians at distances of up to 250 meters and even identify smaller objects, such as a dark-colored tire on a black road, from 120 meters away—ensuring optimal safety even at highway speeds.
Volvo’s Commitment to Safety and Innovation
Volvo Cars has long been recognized as a pioneer in automotive safety, continuously setting new industry standards with innovative driver assistance technologies. By incorporating Luminar’s state-of-the-art LiDAR technology into the ES90, Volvo reaffirms its commitment to developing vehicles that prioritize safety and driver confidence.
The Volvo ES90 will be built on the company’s Scalable Product Architecture 2 (SPA2) platform, the same platform that underpins the Volvo EX90. With Luminar’s LiDAR seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s roofline, the ES90 will feature an advanced sensor suite comprising radars, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. These technologies work together to enhance the vehicle’s ability to detect, analyze, and respond to its surroundings in real time, offering an extra layer of protection for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
Volvo’s use of LiDAR technology also plays a crucial role in the development of autonomous driving capabilities. The highly precise sensing and mapping abilities of LiDAR contribute to the vehicle’s ability to navigate complex traffic scenarios with enhanced accuracy, helping to pave the way for safer, more reliable self-driving systems in the future.
The Future of Electric Mobility with the Volvo ES90
As Volvo transitions toward an all-electric future, the ES90 represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and premium vehicle manufacturing. With a sleek, modern design and an advanced electric powertrain, the ES90 is expected to deliver exceptional performance, long-range capabilities, and an enhanced driving experience.
While detailed specifications regarding the vehicle’s battery capacity and range have yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that the ES90 will offer competitive mileage on a single charge, catering to both urban commuters and long-distance travelers. The combination of electric efficiency, luxurious design, and advanced safety technology positions the ES90 as a formidable contender in the premium electric sedan market.
Moreover, the ES90 is expected to feature Volvo’s latest infotainment and connectivity systems, integrating AI-driven interfaces and smart assistant functionalities. Volvo’s collaboration with NVIDIA further strengthens the vehicle’s computational power, enabling more sophisticated in-car experiences, real-time processing of sensor data, and improved decision-making for automated driving features.
A Growing Partnership Between Luminar and Volvo
The continued partnership between Luminar and Volvo signals a broader industry shift toward the widespread adoption of LiDAR technology in consumer vehicles. As demand for safer, more intelligent vehicles grows, automakers are increasingly turning to high-precision sensing technologies to enhance their driver assistance and automated driving capabilities.
Luminar’s selection for the Volvo ES90 follows its previous success with the EX90, which marked the first production vehicle from Volvo to integrate LiDAR as a standard safety feature. By expanding this collaboration to include the ES90, Volvo is reinforcing its strategy of making cutting-edge safety technology a fundamental component of its vehicle lineup.
Beyond Volvo, Luminar has been working with several other leading automakers, demonstrating the scalability and versatility of its LiDAR solutions. As more manufacturers recognize the benefits of LiDAR for enhancing safety and enabling autonomous driving, Luminar’s technology is poised to become a critical component in the next generation of intelligent vehicles.
The introduction of the Volvo ES90 equipped with Luminar’s LiDAR technology represents a significant advancement in the automotive industry. By integrating one of the most sophisticated sensor systems available, Volvo continues to set new benchmarks for safety, innovation, and sustainable mobility. The collaboration between Volvo and Luminar not only highlights the importance of LiDAR in enhancing vehicle safety but also demonstrates the role of advanced technology in shaping the future of electric and autonomous driving.
As production of the Volvo ES90 begins, consumers can look forward to a vehicle that embodies Volvo’s vision of creating a safer and more sustainable driving experience. With its blend of high-performance electric capabilities, luxurious design, and cutting-edge safety features, the ES90 is set to make a lasting impact in the evolving landscape of electric mobility.
