Volvo is signaling a potential return to its roots as a maker of family-focused vehicles, a segment where it once held a strong position. Whereas the company has maintained a reputation for safety and Swedish design, its lineup has shifted in recent years.
Historically, Volvo offered a range of estate vehicles – wagons with a low, sleek profile and ample cargo space – that were popular with families. Models like the V60 and V90 exemplified this approach, offering a practical and stylish option for those needing significant space. However, several models, including the V40, XC70, and V70, along with their Cross Country variants, have been discontinued, replaced by sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Now, Volvo appears to be laying the groundwork to revive one of its most iconic formats: the low-profile estate. The company’s new SPA3 electrical platform is opening up possibilities for these types of vehicles in the current market, which is dominated by SUVs.
The SPA3 platform, which debuted in the Volvo EX60, was designed specifically for electric vehicles. This represents a significant departure from the previous SPA2 platform, which was adapted from designs intended for internal combustion engines. The new platform eliminates limitations previously imposed by traditional powertrains.
From an engineering perspective, this means that battery capacity no longer dictates vehicle height. Previous platforms often featured flat, uniform battery packs that raised the vehicle’s floor and seat height, resulting in cars that resembled SUVs even when designed as sedans. With SPA3, Volvo can redistribute battery cells, modify the scuttle panel, and alter the front structure without needing to accommodate a traditional engine, exhaust system, or fuel tank. This allows for the creation of lower, more streamlined electric vehicles with proportions similar to classic S60 or V90 models.
SPA3 Platform: Enabling Lower Electric Vehicles
A key innovation is the ability to extend part of the battery pack into the front of the vehicle, beyond the wheelbase. Without the constraints of an engine, the front structure can accommodate additional kilowatts of battery capacity without compromising safety – a critical consideration for Volvo.
the company can create “foot garages” in the rear, similar to those found in electric sports cars like the Porsche Taycan or Audi E-tron GT. This allows for a lower floor in the second row and a more natural seating position, comparable to that of a combustion engine vehicle. The result is a lower roofline, more aerodynamic silhouette, and a less crossover-like appearance.
Another relevant technical detail is the reorientation of the battery terminals, now positioned downwards. This facilitates a more uniform arrangement of the current collector and eliminates structural restrictions in the rear footwell. These are subtle engineering refinements with a direct impact on both the exterior and interior design.
Smart Battery Design: How Volvo Reduces Height in Future EVs
One of the most significant advancements is the ability to extend part of the battery pack into the front area, beyond the wheelbase. Given that it isn’t constrained by engine space, the front structure can accommodate additional kilowatts without compromising safety, a key Volvo priority.
the brand can create “foot garages” in the rear, similar to those found in electric sports cars like the Porsche Taycan or Audi E-tron GT. In practice, this lowers the floor in the second row and maintains a more natural seating position, similar to a combustion engine car. The result is a lower roofline and windows, as well as a more aerodynamic silhouette and less of a crossover seem.
Another important technical detail is the reorientation of the battery terminals, now positioned downwards. This facilitates a more uniform arrangement of the current collector and eliminates structural restrictions in the rear footwell. It’s precise engineering, but with a direct impact on exterior and interior design.
Why Are Current EVs Taller?
The Volvo ES90 exemplifies this issue. Even though it’s a sedan, its ground clearance is similar to that of a crossover. This is because it uses the SPA2 platform, where the seats and footwells must be positioned entirely above the battery pack. This solution increases the overall height by around 200 mm compared to an optimized design from the ground up.
This phenomenon isn’t unique to Volvo. Many electric cars based on combustion platforms exhibit forced proportions, such as wide bodies, high roofs, and a compact SUV appearance. With SPA3, Volvo aims to break this trend.
Will Electric S60 and V90 Models Return?
Volvo’s current lineup is heavily dominated by SUVs. Five of its six product lines fall into this segment, and the previous gasoline-powered S60, S90, V60, and V90 models have been discontinued. However, the flexibility of SPA3 changes the strategic landscape.
An electric Volvo ES60 – either a sedan or wagon – could directly compete with the BMW i5, the Mercedes Clase C electric, and the Audi A4 E-tron. More importantly, it would allow Volvo to reclaim its identity in the premium estate segment, where it has historically held a significant position.
The platform allows for the creation of tall, low, MPV, or highly stylized cars. The question isn’t technical, but commercial. If the market begins to demand low-profile electric estates again, Volvo now has the architecture needed to produce them without compromising design, range, or safety.
