22:21 02-02-2026

Volvo EX60 electric vehicle enhances winter charging with adaptive technology

Volvo's new EX60 electric SUV tackles cold battery challenges, offering up to 48% faster charging in freezing conditions with adaptive thermal management.

Volvo has unveiled the electric EX60, featuring technology designed to tackle one of the most significant winter challenges for EVs: the sharp slowdown of fast charging due to cold batteries. This new approach fundamentally changes how battery temperature is managed.

Volvo Moves Away from Fixed Battery Pre-Heating

Most electric vehicles require pre-heating the battery before fast charging, typically warming it to around 25 degrees Celsius. However, Volvo acknowledges that in practice, this system rarely works correctly—it depends on whether the driver has planned the charging session in advance. If the station isn't entered into the navigation or the driver changes route abruptly, the battery remains too cold, and the car limits charging power for protection. The EX60 adopts a completely different strategy, eliminating reliance on pre-selected scenarios.

The New EX60 Uses Adaptive Real-Time Charging Management

The system analyzes battery temperature, state, and driving parameters, adjusting thermal management dynamically. This allows it to skip the rapid temperature ramp-up before plugging in and accept higher power immediately, even in freezing conditions. Volvo's tests show that at 0°C, charging can be up to 48% faster compared to traditional pre-heating. An added benefit is reduced energy loss, as the battery no longer spends a significant portion of energy on heating before charging.

Improved Efficiency Offers Another Environmental Advantage

Volvo emphasizes that optimizing temperature in the 10–15°C range cuts energy consumption for heating, thereby preserving more charge for driving. This helps mitigate a second winter drawback of EVs: the noticeable reduction in range during cold weather. The technology is planned for all future Volvo electric vehicles.

Overall, Volvo has taken a step that could reshape the industry's approach to battery operation in winter. The EX60 demonstrates that fast charging in freezing conditions is achievable by moving away from rigid temperature protocols and embracing adaptive management. This makes electric vehicles more practical for cold-climate regions and enhances the real-world efficiency of battery use.