We’ve come a long way from the first wave of EVs, when range anxiety wasn’t just a talking point; it was a very real concern. Road trips required planning, charging stations felt scarce, and every percentage point mattered. Trust me, I’ve been there, barreling down the highway toward a charging station, watching the battery percentage tick lower and lower while quietly asking myself, “What actually happens when this thing hits zero?” While that concern still lingers somewhere in the back of our minds, today’s EVs feel worlds apart from those early efforts.
After spending a day behind the wheel of Volvo’s new EX60, driving from the streets of Barcelona into the Spanish countryside, it’s hard not to appreciate just how far things have come.
Built on Volvo’s new SPA3 platform, the EX60 is the longest-range EV the company has ever produced, offering up to 640 kilometres of range in All Wheel Drive form. Just as importantly, it tackles one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption with an 800-volt electrical system capable of adding up to 270 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a 400-kW fast charger. Volvo says a quick coffee stop is now all it takes to get back on the road.
The numbers are impressive, but what stood out most during my drive was how effortless everything felt. The EX60 doesn’t try to reinvent the luxury SUV. Instead, it refines the formula Volvo has spent decades perfecting. The cabin is clean and minimalist, the ride is exceptionally quiet, and the technology largely stays out of the way until you need it.
Under the hood, Volvo has packed the EX60 with meaningful advances. Cell-to-body battery integration improves efficiency and reduces weight, while the SUV becomes the first Volvo built using mega casting technology, replacing hundreds of smaller components with large precision-cast sections. The result is a lighter, more efficient vehicle without sacrificing practicality.
The EX60 also benefits from software developed with Breathe Battery Technologies that helps manage charging performance across different temperatures and conditions. Combined with Volvo’s new architecture and in-house developed electric motors, the focus is clearly on maximizing efficiency and making everyday ownership as seamless as possible.
Out on the road, the EX60 feels composed and comfortable whether navigating Barcelona traffic or cruising through the countryside. Rather than chasing sport sedan dynamics, Volvo has focused on refinement, confidence, and ease of use. It suits the vehicle’s character perfectly.
For a company whose XC60 has been one of its defining models, the EX60 feels like a natural next step. The range is competitive, the charging speeds are among the quickest in the segment, and most importantly, it no longer feels like owning an EV requires compromise. That’s probably the biggest compliment you can give it.
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