Luminar Technology Chosen for the All-New Volvo ES90 Electric Model
In a groundbreaking development for automotive safety and technology, Luminar, a leading global automotive technology company specializing in LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, has announced that its advanced sensing technology will be integrated into the upcoming Volvo ES90. This all-electric luxury sedan is set to go into production this year, marking a significant milestone for Volvo Cars as it continues its push toward electrification and next-generation safety features.
This announcement comes as Volvo doubles down on its commitment to enhancing vehicle safety through cutting-edge sensing technology. The ES90 will be the second model in Volvo’s lineup to feature Luminar’s LiDAR system, following the flagship Volvo EX90 SUV, which has already begun delivery to customers worldwide. By expanding its partnership with Luminar, Volvo reinforces its status as a pioneer in safety and innovation within the automotive industry.
A Continued Partnership with Industry Leaders
Austin Russell, Founder and CEO of Luminar, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded collaboration with Volvo, stating, “We’re proud to be selected in conjunction with industry leaders like NVIDIA for a second global automotive launch as Volvo Cars expands its new lineup. The Volvo ES90 will help scale our safety-critical technology at a time when consumers, automakers, and regulators alike are demanding the most advanced sensing capabilities in their roadmaps — and this is just the beginning.”
Russell’s remarks highlight the growing importance of advanced perception systems in modern vehicles, particularly as autonomous and semi-autonomous driving capabilities become more sophisticated. Luminar’s LiDAR technology is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Volvo’s safety-centric philosophy, providing precise environmental awareness to reduce accidents and improve overall driving confidence.
How LiDAR Enhances Vehicle Safety
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses pulsed laser beams to measure distances with high precision and fidelity. Unlike traditional camera-based vision systems, LiDAR operates independently of ambient light, making it highly effective in low-visibility conditions such as nighttime driving or adverse weather.
The system continuously scans the environment around the vehicle, creating a highly detailed three-dimensional representation of its surroundings. This capability allows LiDAR-equipped vehicles to detect and identify objects—such as pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and road obstacles—with remarkable accuracy.
Luminar’s LiDAR technology, known as Iris, is particularly noteworthy for its ability to detect pedestrians up to 250 meters away and even small, low-contrast objects like a black tire on a dark road at distances of up to 120 meters. These capabilities are crucial for preventing collisions, especially at highway speeds where reaction time is limited.
Volvo’s Vision for Safer Driving with LiDAR
Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Software Engineering at Volvo Cars, elaborated on the role of LiDAR in Volvo’s safety strategy: “The Iris LiDAR on ES90 will complement an advanced set of sensors and enable exceptional perception to help keep everyone safe inside and around the car. The selection of the Iris LiDAR builds on our partnership with Luminar and our shared commitment to automotive safety.”
This statement underscores Volvo’s long-standing reputation for prioritizing safety, with the integration of LiDAR marking a significant step forward in its approach to accident prevention. The ES90’s sensor suite will include radar, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and Luminar’s state-of-the-art LiDAR, all working in unison to provide a comprehensive 360-degree perception system.
The SPA2 Platform and Seamless LiDAR Integration
The Volvo ES90 will be built on Volvo’s advanced SPA2 platform, the same architecture underpinning the EX90 SUV. This platform has been designed with next-generation electric and safety technologies in mind, providing a scalable foundation for Volvo’s evolving lineup of premium EVs.
One of the most notable aspects of the ES90’s design is the seamless integration of Luminar’s LiDAR into the roofline of the vehicle. This strategic placement ensures optimal field-of-view coverage while maintaining the sleek aesthetic of the car. Unlike traditional sensor placements, which can be obtrusive or susceptible to environmental interference, Volvo’s integration of LiDAR into the vehicle’s structure enhances both functionality and design.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
As the automotive industry moves toward increased automation, consumer expectations for driver-assistance features are at an all-time high. Automakers and regulatory bodies are aligning on the need for more robust perception systems to enhance roadway safety and reduce human error.
Luminar’s LiDAR technology is positioned to play a vital role in meeting these expectations. Its ability to provide real-time, high-fidelity environmental mapping supports Volvo’s ambitions to introduce more advanced driver assistance and semi-autonomous capabilities in its vehicles. The ES90, equipped with LiDAR and other advanced sensors, will represent a significant step toward achieving these goals.
Moreover, the inclusion of LiDAR technology in a premium electric sedan like the ES90 will expose a broader audience of consumers to the benefits of this advanced safety feature. As more automakers recognize the advantages of LiDAR, industry adoption is expected to accelerate, further pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive safety.
The Future of LiDAR in Volvo’s Lineup
The announcement of the Volvo ES90’s LiDAR integration signals a broader trend within Volvo Cars toward incorporating advanced sensing technologies across its entire range of vehicles. With increasing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for improved safety systems, Volvo is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation.
As the company continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup, it is likely that more models will feature Luminar’s LiDAR technology, further cementing the role of advanced perception systems in next-generation mobility. In addition to enhancing driver assistance features, LiDAR-equipped vehicles will pave the way for higher levels of automation, reducing reliance on human input while improving overall road safety.
