Volvo’s new EX90 uses a roof-mounted LiDAR system to help it detect hazards hundreds of metres ahead, even in complete darkness. The laser-based tech plays a key role in the brand’s latest push toward autonomous driving and next-level safety systems. But there’s a catch – filming it up close with your smartphone might come at a cost.
Looking for a new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag!
Several reports have emerged showing that taking close-up photos or videos of the EX90’s LiDAR sensor has, in rare cases, damaged phone camera sensors. The most common issues include dead pixels and strange horizontal lines across images, damage that appears permanent. It’s not just a Volvo problem, though. This kind of interference is a known risk around high-precision laser equipment and can happen with other devices using similar tech.
At the centre of it all is the Class 1 laser unit mounted on the EX90’s roof. Under normal use, it’s completely safe for human eyes, meeting the IEC 60825-1 international safety standard. But smartphone sensors, especially those with large apertures or stacked lenses, can be sensitive to concentrated light. Point a camera directly at the unit at close range, and you’re asking for trouble.
Related: Volvo SA Offers 15% Discount on Select Models Until End of Month
Volvo says the issue is rare, but it’s serious enough that the company is updating its documentation and advising people not to film the sensor head-on from close up. It’s also speaking to tech partners to spread the word more widely. This doesn’t mean the system is flawed – far from it. The LiDAR System is one of the core tools enabling the EX90’s driver-assist tech. It constantly maps the world around the vehicle in 3D, giving it the ability to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles in low-light or low-visibility conditions. It’s also foundational to Volvo’s ambitions around autonomous driving.
As modern cars become more sensor-heavy, unexpected tech clashes like this may become more common. What’s important is knowing what’s normal, what’s safe, and what’s worth avoiding. In this case: if you’re tempted to shoot a TikTok showing off the EX90’s fancy roof hardware, maybe think twice before zooming in.
View this post on Instagram
Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
