What is 800-Volt Charging? How the 2025 Volvo EX90 Will Change EV Ownership in Oakville

Electric vehicles have come a long way, but charging speed remains one of the biggest concerns for drivers in Ontario. The 2025 Volvo EX90 addresses this challenge head-on with advanced fast-charging capability that changes how you think about long-distance travel.

For families in Oakville, this technology means less time waiting at charging stations and more time on the road. Here's how the EX90's charging system works and what it means for your daily driving.

Understanding Fast Charging Technology

Not all electric vehicle charging is created equal. The 2025 EX90 uses a high-voltage architecture paired with a 111 kWh battery (107 kWh usable capacity) designed to accept up to 250 kW of DC fast charging power.

At a 250 kW fast charger, the EX90 can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. That's faster than most EVs on the road today and quick enough to add substantial range during a coffee break on a road trip.

For context, 80% of the EX90's battery delivers enough energy for most weekly driving needs in the Greater Toronto Area. The combination of a large battery and fast charging means you can cover long distances without extended charging stops.

What This Means for Daily Driving in Oakville

Most EV charging happens at home overnight, and the EX90 supports Level 2 AC charging at home. With a 48-amp charger (11.5 kW), you can fully charge the battery in about 10 hours. Using a standard 32-amp setup takes around 15 hours, while a 16-amp connection completes a full charge in roughly 29 hours.

For daily commuting between Oakville and downtown Toronto, overnight home charging typically provides all the energy you need. The EX90's up to 495 km of EPA-estimated electric range means you can drive for several days before needing to charge again, depending on your driving habits and route.

Fast Charging on the Road

When you do need to charge away from home, the EX90's fast-charging capability makes a difference. Ontario has a growing network of DC fast chargers along major highways, including the QEW corridor between Oakville and Niagara.

With access to Tesla's Supercharger network through a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter included with the vehicle, EX90 drivers have access to more than 17,800 charging points across the United States and Canada. These stations appear directly in the vehicle's Google Maps interface, making trip planning straightforward.

Charging Speed Compared

Here's how the EX90's charging compares across different power levels:

The difference between 50 kW and 250 kW charging is significant. At highway rest stops equipped with 250 kW chargers, you can add enough range to continue your trip in the time it takes to grab lunch.

Real-World Charging Scenarios

For families living in Oakville, here's what EX90 charging looks like in practice:

Weekend Trip to Collingwood: With up to 495 km of range, you can make the round trip from Oakville to Blue Mountain without charging. If you do charge, a 30-minute stop at a fast charger in Barrie adds enough range to continue north and return home.

Daily Commute: Plug in at home each evening using Level 2 charging. Wake up to a full battery every morning. Your weekly charging cost depends on Ontario's time-of-use electricity rates, but overnight off-peak charging is the most economical option.

Longer Road Trips: Plan stops at fast chargers along your route using the vehicle's navigation system. The EX90 calculates optimal charging stops based on your destination and current battery level.

Battery and Range Details

The EX90's battery system is designed for both performance and longevity. The 111 kWh nominal battery capacity (107 kWh usable) powers twin electric motors that deliver 510 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque with standard all-wheel drive.

Range varies slightly based on wheel size. Models equipped with 21-inch wheels achieve up to 495 km of range, while 20-inch and 22-inch wheel configurations reach up to 476 km. These estimates reflect real-world driving conditions and include factors like climate control use and highway speeds.

Charging Infrastructure in Ontario

Ontario's public charging network continues to expand. Major highways, shopping centres, and municipal parking areas increasingly offer DC fast charging. With the addition of Tesla Superchargers, EV drivers in Ontario now have access to one of North America's most extensive charging networks.

For Oakville residents, fast chargers are located at multiple points along the QEW, at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The Volvo Cars app helps you locate chargers, check availability in real time, and pay for charging sessions through a single interface.

Is Fast Charging Right for You?

Fast-charging capability matters most if you frequently drive long distances or can't charge at home. For drivers who have access to home charging and primarily drive within the Greater Toronto Area, the EX90's range and overnight charging handle most daily needs.

The ability to fast-charge becomes valuable during road trips, busy days when you forgot to plug in overnight, or any situation where you need range quickly. Think of it as insurance—it's there when you need it, even if you don't use it every day.

Experience the EX90 at Volvo Cars Oakville

The 2025 Volvo EX90 combines practical range, fast charging, and advanced safety features in a seven-passenger flagship SUV. If you're considering making the switch to electric or upgrading from an earlier EV, stop by Volvo Cars Oakville to see the EX90 in person. Our team can walk you through the charging process, answer your questions about range and infrastructure, and help you determine if the EX90 fits your driving needs here in Ontario.