Volvo EX90, Polestar 3 Production Delayed by Software Issues

Published on May 12, 2023 in Electric by Guillaume Rivard

Two highly anticipated electric luxury SUVs will keep their first customers waiting a little longer. The start of production for the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 has been pushed back to next year, the companies announced this week.

Instead of the second half of 2023, Volvo now targets the first half of 2024. Polestar aims for the first quarter of 2024. Deliveries will be delayed as a result and will likely begin in the summer.

Both Volvo and Polestar say they need more time for software development and testing in order to minimize potential issues and bugs experienced by early adopters. That’s disappointing, for sure, but arguably a wise move on their part.

The Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 will be built in China for the Chinese market as well as in South Carolina for the U.S. and the rest of the planet including Canada.

The EX90 is a three-row, seven-seat SUV with styling inspired by the Concept Recharge introduced in 2021. The dual motors generate a combined 509 hp and 671 lb-ft. of torque. Energy comes from a 111kWh battery, while range is estimated at 600 km based on the WLTP test cycle—probably around 530 km when using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s more realistic calculations.

Meanwhile, the Polestar 3 stands out with a coupe-like silhouette and a focus on performance. Built on a different platform than the Polestar 2 sedan, it generates more power—489 hp and 620 lb-ft. of torque, or 517 hp and 671 lb-ft. with the optional Performance Pack. The same 111kWh battery found in the EX90 is used here, and it’s projected to deliver a range of up to 482 km based on the EPA test cycle.

Canadian pricing for the Volvo EX90 has not been announced yet. The Polestar 3 will start at $93,200 and orders are now being taken online.

These are not the only electric SUVs whose launch has been delayed by software problems. The Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan EV, which were supposed to hit the market this year, will now arrive in 2024 at the earliest.