Volvo EX90’s Lidar: Why You Shouldn’t Point Your Phone at It
The Volvo EX90, a luxurious electric SUV packed with advanced technology, has gone viral for a reason – and it’s not a good one for smartphone users. A video circulating online shows the car’s lidar system literally frying the pixels in a smartphone camera.
Why is this happening?
Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a crucial part of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) found in many modern cars. It uses laser beams to measure distances and create a 3D map of the surroundings. In the video, the intense laser pulses emitted by the EX90’s lidar system overheat and damage the CMOS sensor in the smartphone camera, leaving behind a trail of burnt pixels.
A Warning for Car Enthusiasts
While it’s tempting to capture photos and videos of new and exciting vehicles, this viral video serves as a stark reminder to think twice before pointing your smartphone camera at a car’s lidar system. The intense laser beams can permanently damage your camera.
Is Lidar Safe for Humans?
Fortunately, lidar systems are designed with safety in mind. They meet Class One standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), meaning the intensity of the beams is tightly regulated and poses no risk to human eyes.
Volvo EX90: India Launch
Production of the Volvo EX90 began in 2024, and deliveries started last year in select international markets. Indian car enthusiasts can expect to see the luxury electric SUV on Indian roads in 2025.
