All future electric Volvos to use single tech stack

This new approach will define Volvo’s future by focusing its engineering efforts on making cars that improve over time.

Starting with the EX90, future electric cars will be based on the same fundamental core of systems, modules, software, and hardware, called the Volvo Cars Superset tech stack. This single tech and software base contains all modules and functionalities for future product line-ups. Like a set of building blocks, it can be configured in various ways. Each new car will be a subset of these building blocks, and Volvo plans to continuously enhance and grow the tech stack.

This approach ensures that Volvo's cars will get better over time, as engineering work will focus on a single tech stack. Development on one model, such as the EX90, will benefit others, like the ES90 and EX60, and will also lead to improvements in existing cars through updates.

Anders Bell, Chief Engineering & Technology Officer at Volvo Cars, announced: “The Volvo Cars Superset tech stack is a true game changer: it allows all of our engineering effort to be channeled into one single direction that powers all our products, instead of working on specific car projects. Our engineers will work on one superset, constantly improving, growing and expanding its capabilities and features. This allows for dramatically improved quality, increased speed-to-market and continually better cars for our customers.”

Closed-loop development

The Superset tech stack, which enables Volvo to deliver a unified brand across various product ranges, is central to its car-making strategy.

Volvo now uses closed-loop development based on data, connectivity, software, and core computing. This shift to core computing is as significant as the move to electrification. It impacts everything connected to the electrical system and provides substantial benefits.

By creating a closed-loop development process, Volvo can continuously improve its cars through real-time insights and advanced computing capabilities, both in the vehicles and at the company’s development centres.

Next-generation SPA3 platform

A key component of Volvo’s cars is the electric technology base: a combination of propulsion, electric, and electronic systems.

To position itself as a leader in next-generation mobility, Volvo is developing a new electric technology base, SPA3, underpinned by the Superset tech stack. The first car built on SPA3 will be the all-electric EX60 midsize SUV.

SPA3 builds on the architecture of SPA2, introducing significant upgrades. Enhanced core computing capabilities will improve performance and features through the tech stack. The most notable change is the scalability of SPA3, which allows for cars of various sizes to be built using the same technology base. This modularity is expected to reduce investment costs and improve cash flow.

Lower production costs

The scalable SPA3 architecture creates synergies and improves efficiency in areas such as core computing, batteries, e-motors, megacasting, and modular manufacturing. These factors will contribute to lower production costs.

Volvo’s Torslanda plant, which is preparing for SPA3 production, exemplifies this future approach. Using the same key components across all cars built on SPA3 reduces complexity and increases flexibility in manufacturing.