Volvo drops LiDAR tech from all-electric EX90 and ES90 for 2026
Volvo has removed the LiDAR scanners from its EX90 SUV and ES90 saloon for the 2026 model year (MY) after ending its relationship with tech supplier Luminar.
According to an online statement from Volvo Cars’ US division, the Swedish manufacturer has opted to remove the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor (pictured below) from its EX90 and ES90 after terminating its relationship with Luminar.
LiDAR tech is a common feature on software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and uses laser pulses to measure distances and create a 3D map of the car’s surroundings. This information is then fed back to the driver via the on-board safety systems.
“Volvo Cars has made this decision to limit the company’s supply chain risk exposure and it is a direct result of Luminar’s failure to meet its contractual obligations to Volvo Cars,” read the statement. “To meet customer demand, be able to offer the Volvo EX90 and the ES90 to more customers, as well as limit the company’s supply chain risk exposure, Volvo Cars had previously made the decision to make LiDAR optional on these vehicles starting 2026.”
Volvo’s first SDV, the EX90 was riddled with technical faults upon its debut in 2024, already two years behind schedule. Problems affecting Volvo’s flagship SUV included non-working keycards, infotainment glitches, error messages, and sticking throttles. As well as Luminar failing to meet its contractual obligations to Volvo, the carmaker had to warn customers that its LiDAR system could cause damage to cameras when they were pointed at it.
Despite no LiDAR for the MY 2026 EX90 and ES90, Volvo Australia assured buyers that both models “will continue to meet Volvo Cars’ safety standards and provide a high level of driver support.”
The 2026 EX90 and ES90 will ride on Volvo’s all-new 800 volt electrical architecture, while a new dual Drive AGX Orin supercomputer chip will be responsible for managing the car’s operations. It is worth noting that earlier this year, Volvo upgraded the previous generation EX90’s 400V electrical underpinnings to the 800V system free of charge as the outgoing system was largely blamed for the EX90’s technical shortcomings.
EV Powered contacted Volvo Cars UK for a statement on whether the LiDAR system will be removed for UK-bound MY 2026 cars in addition to those in the US and Australia. It is currently awaiting a response.
