Volvo to launch all-electric SUV

Volvo Cars and Luminar, the autonomous vehicle sensor and software company, announced its launch plans of the next generation all-electric SUV in 2022. According to a media release, the first introduction of Volvo Cars’ Ride Pilot, an unsupervised autonomous driving capability for highways, will be first introduced to customers in California after it’ll be verified as safe for use. It will come equipped with Luminar’s Iris to enable proactive safety features into the vehicle.

As part of the verification process, Volvo Cars has applied for a testing permit with the California Department of Transportation and intends to start testing the new vehicle on road. Founded by Volvo Cars, Zenseact’s purpose is to preserve life by accelerating the transition to zero collisions by developing the complete software stack for AD and ADAS, from sensing to actuation in order to serve various levels of autonomy and offer unequaled scalability at the same time, the company said.

“Luminar’s vision is to democratize next-generation safety and autonomy, and we’re already seeing this become a reality with the first vehicle launching on Volvo’s new platform,” said Austin Russell, Founder and CEO. “With Luminar as standard on every vehicle, their next SUV has the opportunity to be the safest vehicle ever produced, while also being the first to enable true autonomy and at highway speed.”

In 2020, Volvo Cars gave a first look at the next generation SUV featuring a completely reimagined roofline that featured the safety technology discreetly integrated into the roofline, while also giving a visual cue of its superior technical prowess. This was the first time an automaker had designed autonomous technology into the roofline of a vehicle that will be made available to consumers.

Mats Moberg, Head of R&D, Volvo Cars said, “We are proud to announce the planned US launch of our first truly unsupervised autonomous driving feature, as we look to set a new industry standard for autonomy without compromising safety. Having Zenseact’s brand new AD software and Luminar’s LiDAR standard in our new fully electric SUV is a game-changer for Volvo Cars, as well as for automotive safety and autonomous driving.

“Delivering a new safety standard for the industry requires a level of rigorous testing and verification that will expand globally. Zenseact AD software plays a key role in this new standard and in our journey towards zero collisions,” added Odgard Anderson, CEO, Zenseact.