Volvo EX90: Manufacturer presents occupant detection system

Last week, Volvo had already revealed the first details about the smart features of the new all-electric SUV EX90 and promised more details about the successor to the popular SUV XC90. Now they unveiled the new Volvo EX90 occupant detection system, which measures the well-being of human and animal passengers.

Volvo EX90 occupant detection system unveiled

The new Volvo EX90 e-SUV looks to be a pretty smart electric car. It’s not just in the area of vehicle safety that the EX90 aims to set new standards. Smart assistance systems such as an innovative occupant detection system will also be used.

The world’s first interior radar system monitors the entire interior and prevents human or animal passengers from being unintentionally left behind in the car. It also warns of the dangers of overheating and hypothermia.

For example, the E-SUV installs a highly advanced and precise radar system in the interior that can detect even the smallest movements in the submillimeter range. Volvo cites the quiet breathing of a sleeping child as an example.

The system covers the entire interior – including the trunk and footwell. It uses sensors in the overhead console, the reading lamps in the roof and the trunk. At the latest when the car is locked, the EX90 informs the driver that there are still human or animal occupants inside.

Incupant detection protects against hazards

According to the automaker, U.S. statistics show that more than 900 children have died in the U.S. alone since 1998 because they were left in a hot car. Most of these deaths as a result of overheating are due to children simply being forgotten in the car.

That’s where the Volvo EX90’s occupant detection system aims to address. The e-SUV simply will not lock when the interior radar system is activated and notices human or animal occupants.

The touchscreen in the center console also provides a reminder that there are still passengers inside. At the same time, the air conditioning can be activated so that children or animals can be deliberately left in the car when going to the supermarket. This is intended to further minimize the risk from hypothermia or heat stroke.

“We have always been a leader in safety and we want to continue to set new standards in automotive safety to protect lives,” says Lotta Jakobsson, senior technical specialist for injury prevention at Volvo.

“This also means that we make Volvo drivers feel safe. This kind of emotional safety helps people enjoy life while preventing tragedies.”

Once successfully approved, occupant detection will make its debut in the new Volvo EX90. After that, the feature will be used successively in other Volvo models. The EX90 is scheduled to make its debut on November 09, 2022. Details on the appearance and further technology of the E-SUV will follow from the manufacturer in the coming days and weeks.