Volvo’s ES90 Brings Greater Sustainability to Car Production
Volvo Cars has taken a significant step in sustainable vehicle manufacturing with the introduction of its fully-electric ES90 model.
The model is produced using climate-neutral energy and designed with a strong focus on sustainability, making it a noteworthy development in the automotive industry's shift towards environmental responsibility.
The ES90 boasts a total carbon footprint of 31 tonnes when utilising a European energy mix and just 26 tonnes when wind energy is employed.
According to Volvo, the ES90’s footprint with a European energy mix is 50% lower than the Volvo S90 mild hybrid variant and 30% lower compared to the plug-in hybrid S90.
Volvo: Delivering sustainable vehicles
Production of the ES90 is slated to commence in late summer of 2025, with the first deliveries to customers expected in spring 2026.
This timeline underscores Volvo’s commitment to delivering sustainable vehicles and indicates a proactive approach toward cleaner production methods in global manufacturing operations
“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.”
A leader in transparency
In 2019, Volvo took a pioneering step by releasing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reports for its electric vehicles, a move designed to empower customers with information about their potential environmental impact.
The European carmaker has since been transparent in providing these reports for models like the EX40, EC40, EX30, and now the ES90.
The ES90 is a product of meticulous design with sustainability at its core.
Innovative features include the 800-volt electric system and lighter components that decrease weight, increasing both charging and energy efficiency.
The car’s low drag coefficient of 0.25 enhances its efficiency, setting a new standard in Volvo's design history.
The ES90 embodies innovative use of materials with 29% recycled aluminium, 18% recycled steel and 16% recycled polymers.
Additionally, bio-based materials such as FSC-certified wood are utilised in the cabin, highlighting Volvo's commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
A notable feature of the ES90 is Volvo’s world-first battery passport, leveraging blockchain technology to trace raw material origins and assess battery health.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in traceability and accountability across the supply chain.
Sustainable procurement and supply chain
Volvo is actively working to reduce climate impact throughout its supply chain.
The company encourages direct materials suppliers to adopt climate-neutral energy sources within their operations.
Since September 2023, suppliers have been required to record recycled material content through the International Material Data System (IMDS), ensuring transparency in material composition.
Volvo’s guidelines on carbon footprint reporting standardise methodologies for comparing supplier climate impacts.
The transition to renewable resources is key in reducing emissions during the production phase.
Currently, 11 direct suppliers utilise 100% renewable electricity, resulting in a decrease of 0.1 tonnes CO₂e per vehicle in material production.
Volvo's dedication to sustainability is reinforced through the extensive use of recycled materials, with recycled aluminium used in wheels and battery trays, recycled copper in motor wiring and bio-based materials like PA11 in battery cooling pipes.
