If you’re looking at a Volvo EX90, you’re not just buying a three‑row electric SUV. You’re marrying a monthly payment, an electric bill, an insurance premium, and a big question: what does Volvo EX90 long term ownership cost actually look like? This guide breaks that down in plain language, energy, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and shows how buying a used EX90 through a platform like Recharged can tilt the math in your favor.
Quick take
Volvo EX90 by the numbers: what you’re buying
Before you can estimate long‑term ownership cost, you need a snapshot of the EX90 itself. Think of it as a Scandinavian battery with a living room strapped on top.
Volvo EX90 key specs that drive ownership cost
So you’re in luxury‑SUV territory on purchase price, with running costs that behave more like a thrifty commuter, provided your local electricity rates cooperate and you’re not fast‑charging every day.
Energy costs: charging the EX90 vs buying gas
Energy is where the EX90 starts paying you back. The SUV’s efficiency will vary by wheel choice and driving style, but a reasonable planning number is around 2.5–3.0 miles per kWh in mixed driving.
Typical Volvo EX90 charging cost scenarios (U.S.)
Assuming ~2.7 mi/kWh real‑world efficiency and ~12,000 miles/year
Home charging, average rates
Electricity: $0.16/kWh (rough U.S. residential average)
Annual kWh: ~4,450
Annual cost: around $710 in electricity.
If your utility has off‑peak EV rates, you could be lower than this.
Home charging, cheap off‑peak
Electricity: $0.10/kWh off‑peak
Annual kWh: ~4,450
Annual cost: roughly $445.
That’s commuter‑car money to move a three‑row luxury SUV.
Heavy DC fast charging
Public DC fast charge: $0.35–$0.45/kWh typical
Annual kWh: ~4,450
Annual cost: $1,560–$2,000.
Convenient on road trips, but your energy bill starts to look like premium gas.
Don’t live at the fast charger
EX90 electricity vs gas XC90 fuel
Compare the EX90 to a similarly‑sized Volvo XC90 with a gasoline engine. A real‑world XC90 can easily average 21–23 mpg combined. At $3.75/gal and 12,000 miles per year, you’re looking at roughly:
- ~550 gallons/year
- ~$2,060/year in fuel
Your potential annual energy savings
Driven the same distance, an EX90 on home charging at $0.16/kWh might spend about $710/year on electricity. That’s roughly $1,300/year less than the gas XC90. Over five years, you’re flirting with $6,500 in fuel savings, even before any off‑peak discounts.
Pro move: program your charging
Maintenance and repairs on an electric Volvo SUV
Electrons are kinder to your wallet than explosions. The EX90 ditches oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, and multi‑gear transmissions. But this is still a 6,000‑lb luxury appliance; neglect it and it will find ways to bill you.
EX90 vs XC90: typical maintenance items
High‑level comparison of what you’ll (and won’t) see over 5–10 years. Costs are directional, not quotes.
| Item | Gas XC90 (5 yrs) | EX90 (5 yrs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 4–5 services | None | EVs don’t need engine oil, just gearbox fluid at long intervals. |
| Spark plugs / ignition | Likely once by 100k mi | None | No combustion means no ignition system to service. |
| Transmission service | 1–2 fluid services | Possibly 1 gearbox service | Single‑speed reduction gear has fluid, but far less complexity. |
| Brake pads/rotors | More frequent | Less frequent | Regenerative braking dramatically reduces pad wear in normal driving. |
| Coolant & thermal system | Yes | Yes | Battery and power electronics cooling still need attention over time. |
| Tires | 4–6 tires | 4–6 tires (often more) | EX90’s weight and torque can chew through tires faster if you drive hard. |
| HV battery | Not serviced | Not serviced | Covered by warranty for many years/miles; replacement is expensive if ever needed. |
Real prices vary a lot by region and dealer vs independent shop; always check current rates.
Volvo’s maintenance pricing for the EX90 wasn’t fully published at the time of writing, but based on other Volvos and large EVs, you can think in rough strokes:
- Basic inspections, cabin filters, and tire rotations every 1–2 years.
- Brake fluid exchanges every few years.
- Coolant and drivetrain fluid services on a longer interval (often around 8–10 years/100k miles).
The quiet win: fewer surprise shop visits
When you’re shopping used, this is where something like a Recharged Score battery and health report matters. It lets you see verified battery condition, mileage, and service history so you’re not gambling on how the previous owner treated the pack and tires.
Insurance costs for a Volvo EX90
Insuring an EX90 will feel more like insuring a premium German SUV than a family crossover. You’re covering a big‑ticket battery, a suite of sensors, and an interior full of screens. Early insurance data for electric luxury SUVs suggests premiums that are above the segment average until underwriters get comfortable with real‑world claims.
Why EX90 insurance skews high
- High MSRP: Insurers price off replacement cost, and the EX90 is not a cheap date.
- Expensive parts: Sensors in bumpers, cameras in windshields, and battery‑adjacent structures drive up repair bills.
- New model risk: Early in a vehicle’s life, insurance companies have less loss data, so they price in some uncertainty.
How to keep premiums in check
- Shop multiple carriers; some are aggressively courting EV drivers.
- Ask specifically about EV or green‑vehicle discounts.
- Consider higher deductibles if you can comfortably cover them.
- Use Volvo’s driver‑assist features and telematics programs to qualify for usage‑based discounts where available.
For planning purposes, it’s reasonable to expect the EX90 to cost somewhat more to insure annually than a similarly priced XC90, especially in the first few years. Location, driving record, and how many miles you put on it each year will matter more than the name on the tailgate.
Depreciation and resale value: will the EX90 hold up?
Depreciation is where luxury SUVs go to cry quietly in the dark, and the EX90 will be no exception. Early‑adopter EVs typically see faster first‑owner depreciation because technology improves quickly and incentives can move sticker prices around.
What we can infer from the XC90 and other EVs
Hypothetical Volvo EX90 depreciation curve (illustrative only)
This is not a forecast or guarantee, just a way to think about how depreciation might behave on a high‑end EV SUV.
| Year from new | Approx. value retained | Example on $85,000 EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ~75–80% | $63,750–$68,000 |
| Year 3 | ~55–60% | $46,750–$51,000 |
| Year 5 | ~45–50% | $38,250–$42,500 |
| Year 8 | ~30–40% | $25,500–$34,000 |
Real‑world resale will depend on mileage, condition, incentives, and how the broader EV market matures.
If those rough numbers make you wince, they should. They also explain why the second owner often gets the best deal. When you buy an EX90 used, someone else has already paid the steepest part of the curve.
Why a used EX90 can be the smart play
Five‑year Volvo EX90 cost of ownership: ballpark math
Let’s run a simple five‑year scenario for a new Volvo EX90. These are ballpark figures, not a quote, think of them as a framework you can adjust with your own local numbers.
Example: new EX90 over 5 years / 60,000 miles
1. Depreciation
Assume an $85,000 purchase price and a resale value of ~$42,500 after 5 years. That’s <strong>$42,500 in depreciation</strong>, or about $8,500 per year.
2. Energy cost
At 12,000 miles/year, 2.7 mi/kWh, and $0.16/kWh at home, you spend roughly <strong>$710/year</strong>, or about <strong>$3,550 over 5 years</strong>. Heavy fast‑charging would push that higher.
3. Maintenance & repairs
Budget roughly <strong>$600–$900 per year</strong> for routine maintenance, tires, and an occasional alignment on a big, heavy EV. Over 5 years, call it about <strong>$3,500–$4,500</strong> if you avoid curb‑rash and wheel‑bending potholes.
4. Insurance
Depending on your state and driving record, a luxury EV SUV might easily cost <strong>$1,800–$2,800 per year</strong> to insure. Using $2,200/year as a middle‑of‑the‑road estimate, that’s <strong>$11,000 over 5 years</strong>.
5. Total 5‑year ownership cost (excluding taxes/financing)
Add those rough figures and you’re in the neighborhood of <strong>$60,000–$65,000 over 5 years</strong> in depreciation, energy, maintenance, and insurance. That averages out near <strong>$1.00–$1.10 per mile</strong> before financing costs.
Where the surprises usually hide
How a used Volvo EX90 changes the math
Now imagine you let the first owner handle the steepest depreciation and you buy a 3‑year‑old EX90 instead.
Scenario: buy at 3 years old
Say that same EX90 is worth about $50,000 after three years. You buy it, then own it from year 3 to year 8.
- Buy at $50,000
- Sell at, say, $30,000 after 5 more years
- Depreciation: $20,000 over your ownership, not $42,500
Total cost perspective
Your energy, maintenance, and insurance costs don’t change much. But your single largest expense, depreciation, is nearly cut in half. That’s why a well‑vetted, used EX90 can be such a compelling long‑term play.
Buying from Recharged adds another layer: every vehicle includes a Recharged Score with verified battery health, pricing transparency, and EV‑savvy guidance from first click to delivery.
9 ways to lower your Volvo EX90 ownership costs
Practical ways to make EX90 ownership cheaper
You can’t control everything, but you can control more than you think.
1. Prioritize home Level 2 charging
Install a properly sized Level 2 charger at home, or use a 240V outlet where safe and code‑compliant. Home kWh is almost always cheaper than public fast charging.
2. Use off‑peak electric rates
Many utilities offer EV‑specific overnight plans. Schedule charging through the EX90 or your charger’s app to start when rates drop.
3. Ease up on the right pedal
The EX90 can move like a sports sedan, but full‑throttle launches punish range and tire wear. Smooth driving lowers energy use and keeps those expensive 22‑inch tires alive longer.
4. Dial‑in your insurance
Shop quotes, ask about EV discounts, and consider telematics programs if you’re a low‑mileage or cautious driver. Small monthly savings compound over a decade.
5. Stay ahead on basics
Rotate tires, align annually if roads in your area are rough, and don’t ignore warning lights. Small preventative services are cheaper than big suspension or wheel repairs.
6. Choose the right wheel/tire package
If possible, avoid the flashiest wheel option. Slightly smaller wheels with higher‑profile tires are usually cheaper to replace and more efficient.
7. Consider buying used
A 2–4‑year‑old EX90 can deliver essentially the same experience at a much lower capital cost. Look for verified battery health and transparent pricing, not just the lowest sticker.
8. Understand the warranty
Know your battery and drivetrain warranty terms. Time your purchase so you enjoy as many remaining years of coverage as possible.
9. Shop with EV specialists
Working with an EV‑focused retailer like Recharged means you get guidance on charging, incentives, and long‑term costs, not just a key fob and a wave.
Volvo EX90 long‑term ownership cost FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Volvo EX90 ownership costs
So, is the Volvo EX90 worth it long‑term?
The Volvo EX90 long term ownership cost story is a familiar EV fable with a Swedish accent: higher upfront price, lower running costs, and a big asterisk next to depreciation. If you buy new, drive modest miles, and sell early, you’re paying handsomely for the privilege of being first. If you buy smart, ideally used, with verified battery health, a home charger, and an off‑peak rate plan, you get a serene, three‑row luxury SUV whose day‑to‑day costs look surprisingly reasonable.
That’s exactly where Recharged comes in. By pairing each EX90 with a Recharged Score battery and pricing report, transparent history, and EV‑savvy support from financing to nationwide delivery, we try to turn a complex, high‑dollar decision into something simple and transparent. If you’re ready to let someone else take the steepest depreciation hit and still enjoy Volvo’s flagship EV, a used EX90 might be the rare big SUV that makes emotional and financial sense at the same time.
