Volvo Cars has decided to break nearly a century-old tradition. The Swedish automaker, renowned for its premium sedans and SUVs, has unveiled its very first minivan—the electric EM90. While this may seem like an unexpected leap for Volvo, it appears to be a carefully planned strategy aimed at China, the world’s largest minivan market.

The Minivan is expected to have an impressive 511 miles of range on a single charge

Last August, Volvo announced the EM90 and followed up recently with teaser images posted on its Facebook page. The design cues are certainly Volvo-esque: the model features a boxy exterior, illuminated front grille, and the unmistakable Thor’s hammer LED daytime running lights. Unlike conventional monospace designs often seen in minivans, the EM90 opts for a two-box design, akin to the Zeekr 009, an electric luxury minivan from another Geely-owned brand.

Volvo

Sharing underpinnings with the Zeekr 009, the EM90 is expected to ride on the Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform. It’s likely to come equipped with the CATL 140-kWh Qilin battery, capable of delivering an impressive 511 miles of range. With a dual-motor setup, the EM90 will boast a combined horsepower of 536, putting it in the same league as its electric rivals like the Zeekr 009, Voyah Dreamer, and Denza D9, as well as ICE-powered models such as the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

The EM90 will make its global debut on November 12, and China will be the first market to open for pre-orders. By targeting China—a market where MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) are immensely popular—Volvo is making a strategic move to carve out a new niche for itself in the electric vehicle ecosystem. This could be the Swedish automaker’s golden ticket into diversifying its portfolio while tapping into the unique demands of the Chinese consumer.

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