As you can likely tell from all the posts, Volvo had a big event today in Stockholm to unveil their new electric SUV, the Volvo EX90. Near the end of the main presentation, Volvo showed a little ending video and mentioned that there may be a little surprise in it. I think the adjective “little” may have been literal, because it sure looks like what they’re teasing is some sort of small EV crossover. I mean, all we have to go on is a silhouette over a lot of digital interference patterns and glitches, but that’s sure as hell what this looks like. And I hope it is, because the world needs more smaller, affordable EVs.
Here’s the video clip in question:
Since I’m currently in Europe, I didn’t have access to the usual Autopian Mainframe (an IBM PCjr floating in a kiddie pool of rust-water in David Tracy’s crawlspace) so instead I used an old Minitel terminal to contact the European Autopian Mainframe, an Oric-1 enhanced with a massively parallel array of flea collars to enhance computing power, and had it isolate and enhance the cars from the video:
Now, we know the larger SUV is the new Volvo EX90. Using this as a size template, I think that smaller vehicle would likely be something around the size of a Jeep Renegade or Fiat 500x, perhaps even a touch smaller. It’s almost definitely a four-door, crossover-type vehicle, but it definitely looks small! The angle sort of makes it look really, really small, with proportions like a Honda 600Z:
But it can’t be that small, can it? Can it?
Of course, this little tease is all Volvo is giving us now, but it’s an interesting little glimpse. Volvo has a history of smaller cars (like the charming ones they appropriated from Dutch carmaker DAF), though aside from sports cars like the Volvo P1800, these aren’t really known in the US.
I’m curious to see what happens. In the meantime, I encourage wild speculation from everyone.
Volvo you’re so close. Just make one the height of the small one and the length of the large one.
Amazing! We could call it something fancy like, a saloon!
People will go nuts for it!
Wild speculation: the Volvo P(eel)50 will be unveiled tomorrow.
Wild speculation that is almost certainly fact: Volvo has invented a way for cars to give birth. The car on the left is the child. It isn’t fully grown but will be in 2-3 years. With this technology you can buy a car, it gives birth to your next car. When your new car is fully grown it gives birth and so on. Of course the cost of one of these great birthing machines starts in the 7-figure range.
D’aww, look at Moya and her lil’ baby Talyn!
1. This image makes me think of those optical tests that ask which is bigger when both are the same size.
2. Jeep Renegades werent considered small when thru came out.
3. The would needs small affordable EVs…. that people will actually buy in decent numbers. Size is no longer a metric in cost of production.
I4. If and when the cost of materials comes down and demand for cars comes down and manufacturers start competing for the average consumer is when someone start designing the aforementioned vehicle.
” I used an old Minitel terminal to contact the European Autopian Mainframe, an Oric-1 enhanced with a massively parallel array of flea collars to enhance computing power, and had it isolate and enhance the cars from the video:”
Too bad you don’t have an ORAC instead. Not only would it be capable of extrapolating the dimensions of the MiniMe EX90, it would provide you with all the affection you’ve been craving.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAMPy_AhEns
Must say that is some very impressive computer power you’ve got there.
You know…Volvo announced just this week that they’d be pure EV in Oz by 2026. Something in the premium mini eSUV space would help them monopolise that space pretty thoroughly for quite some time…
Affordable and Volvo does not really belong in the same sentence.
I would just love something like the C1/Aygo, a good quality no nonsense 4/5 door small car, but just as an EV with a reasonable (250+ miles) range.
Nah, the one on the left is the EX90 and the one on the right is the EX90XXL that they are building for a Qatari customer.
What if the car on the right is once rumored large SUV to sit above EX90 in the range so it’s just the next EX60 on the left. I know, heartbreaking.
Too bad it’ll be made in China, I won’t buy any car made in China.
EU EV City Car.
.…if this is the same size/type of package as the C30 was? Ooof….be still, my heart. Could we maybe have a small, (comparatively) light hatchback EV on our hands?
Cautiously optimistic, but not holding my breath, given that small vehicles are an endangered species these days. Somewhere along the line, we decided everything needed to be morbidly obese
The cars follow the population they serve.
Wild speculation, as encouraged: Volvo has teamed up with Commuter Cars to update the Tango.
“… the charming ones they appropriated from Dutch carmaker DAF… these aren’t really known in the US.”
I’ve driven my own ’76 66 GL sedan to work every day so far this week; I’m doing what I can to promote their visibility. I even give it a prime parking spot at home, although I admit my parts-car ’75 66 GL wagon has to languish in the elements:
Do I see some Quik-N-Easy rack mounts on the Ford over there? Know anyone who needs some such rack mounts? I have a some available.
You’re right about the mounts but that’s a ’70 International underneath them obscured by the snow and the cat. I’ve already got some spares, though, and don’t know anyone else in need of any.
You Sir, are winning.
I think the 2023 Cozy Coupe EV just dropped.
Yes please!
But you’re in Sweden, delightful as it may be it probably won’t make the crossing.
Sadly, I agree.