NVIDIA's powerful chips to drive Volvo's future EV models
Volvo Cars has announced its strategic partnership with NVIDIA, a leading chip manufacturing company. The Swedish automaker plans to incorporate NVIDIA's powerful chips into a single software system for all its future models, according to Reuters. This initiative will commence with the EX90, Volvo's flagship electric vehicle (EV) set to be delivered this month. The EX90's software system will be powered by NVIDIA's DRIVE Orin system-on-a-chip (SoC), capable of performing over 250 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
Advanced hardware will enhance safety
The integration of NVIDIA's superchip is expected to significantly enhance the safety features of Volvo cars. The will enable the EX90's software system to deliver continuous improvements in Volvo vehicles through over-the-air updates, Anders Bell, Volvo's Chief Engineering & Technology Officer, told Reuters. Later this decade, Volvo is planning to to replace the DRIVE Orin SoC with a more powerful one, capable of performing 1,000 trillion TOPS.
Focusing on product improvement over subscriptions
Unlike other major automakers who see software-defined EVs as a revenue source through subscription services, Volvo has a different approach. Bell stated that their primary goal is to improve the car and create a more appealing product, rather than selling numerous subscriptions. "The primary goal is to make the car better and have a more sticky product, not to sell a lot of subscriptions," he said.
Volvo to adopt megacasting technique for EV production
In addition to the NVIDIA partnership, Volvo is also set to adopt a "megacasting" technique for its EV production. This process involves using large presses to create single aluminum pieces for vehicle underbodies, replacing multiple individual parts that need welding. The adoption of this technique is expected to significantly reduce costs and increase the use of recycled aluminum in Volvo's supply chain.
Timeline for becoming all-electric automaker delayed
On a related note, Volvo has updated its goal of becoming an all-electric vehicle manufacturer. In 2021, the Swedish automaker had pledged to switch entirely to EVs by the end of the decade. However, the company has adjusted this target due to changing market conditions and a decrease in demand.
