Volvo EX90's Groundbreaking Safety System Earns TIME Recognition

TIME magazine has recognized the Volvo EX90's driver understanding system as one of 2024's Best Inventions. This recognition places Volvo Cars' latest safety innovation among 200 extraordinary advancements changing lives globally, specifically honoring the system in the prestigious Automotive category. The achievement underscores Volvo's continuous commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive safety technology.

The Evolution of Safety

Volvo's commitment to safety innovation spans over half a century, from introducing the three-point safety belt in 1959 to today's sophisticated driver monitoring systems. That original safety belt innovation alone has saved an estimated million lives since its introduction, thanks to Volvo's decision to grant free use of its design to other manufacturers. The EX90's driver understanding system builds upon this legacy, representing the next evolution in automotive safety technology. This system emerges from decades of real-world research and practical insights into driver behavior.

Understanding the Driver Understanding System

The EX90's driver understanding system operates through advanced real-time sensing technology that continuously monitors driver alertness and engagement. The system recognizes signs of impairment, fatigue, or distraction, enabling proactive intervention when needed. This technology delivers gentle alerts that escalate appropriately if initial warnings go unheeded. In critical situations, such as driver unconsciousness, the system can safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop while activating hazard lights to warn nearby traffic.

Beyond Basic Safety

The system's sophistication extends beyond immediate safety features. The 2025 Volvo EX90 demonstrates remarkable adaptability through its ability to learn from real-time data points and improve via over-the-air updates. This continuous evolution ensures the vehicle becomes more attuned to driver behavior patterns and needs over time, creating an increasingly sophisticated safety ecosystem. As Jim Rowan, Volvo's chief executive, emphasizes, "The EX90 is designed to be the safest Volvo car we have ever made." This statement reflects not just the current capabilities of the vehicle but its potential for ongoing enhancement through technological advancement.

Advancing Toward Zero Collisions

The TIME recognition validates Volvo's persistent pursuit of automotive safety excellence. The EX90 stands as more than a fully electric flagship SUV; it represents a new chapter in Volvo's journey toward zero collisions. This achievement combines the company's safety heritage with forward-thinking technology, creating a vehicle that actively protects occupants while delivering an enhanced driving experience.

The driver understanding system exemplifies how modern safety features can seamlessly integrate into daily driving routines. Its ability to support drivers through understanding their behavior patterns and needs marks a significant advancement in automotive safety technology. The system's inclusion as standard equipment in the EX90 demonstrates Volvo's commitment to making premium safety features accessible to all drivers.

This innovative approach to safety represents a fundamental shift in how vehicles interact with their drivers. Rather than merely responding to incidents, the EX90's system works proactively to prevent them, using sophisticated technology to create a more secure driving environment. The system's recognition by TIME magazine validates its potential to revolutionize automotive safety standards and brings Volvo one step closer to its vision of a future without vehicle collisions.