Volvo Cars takes a significant step towards faster charging times for its next generation of electric vehicles through a new partnership and investment in Breathe Battery Technologies. This collaboration grants Volvo access to Breathe’s innovative, software-defined charging technology, aiming to significantly reduce charging times without compromising battery health or lifespan.
The crux of the partnership lies in Breathe’s flagship product, Breathe Charge. This intelligent software integrates seamlessly with Volvo‘s in-house battery management platform. Unlike traditional, rule-based charging systems, Breathe Charge employs adaptive algorithms that dynamically control battery behavior in real-time. This optimization promises to slash charging times from 10% to 80% by up to 30%, a substantial improvement for electric car owners.
But the benefits extend beyond speed. The software prioritizes battery health throughout the charging process, mitigating the risk of lithium plating, a detrimental phenomenon that can shorten battery life. This ensures that faster charging translates to a longer-lasting battery, a crucial factor for electric vehicle ownership.
“The investment and commercial partnership with Breathe helps us address a familiar pain point for electric car customers and makes our charging performance even more competitive,” says Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “Faster charging times represent a major step in the right direction as we continue to boost electric mobility and make it available to more people.”
This partnership aligns perfectly with Volvo’s ambitious electrification goals. The company aims to become a fully electric carmaker by 2030, and faster charging is a key element in achieving widespread electric vehicle adoption. Notably, Breathe Charge achieves this improvement without requiring changes to battery pack design or additional material mining, minimizing environmental impact.
Furthermore, the software’s compatibility with existing hardware in Volvo’s next-generation electric cars ensures easy scalability as electric vehicle sales are projected to rise significantly in the coming years. Dr. Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re very pleased with this investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars… Deploying our technology at scale on Volvo’s next generation EV platform opens doors to innovative car designs and performance improvements.”
The Volvo Cars Tech Fund, established in 2018, spearheads this strategic investment. The fund focuses on accelerating automotive transformation by investing in companies and technologies that drive progress in areas like electrification, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and sustainability. This partnership exemplifies the Tech Fund’s mission to collaborate with innovative startups and propel the global mobility industry forward.
In conclusion, Volvo’s partnership with Breathe Battery Technologies signifies a major leap forward in electric vehicle charging. By harnessing the power of software-defined charging, Volvo aims to deliver a superior driving experience for its customers while staying true to its commitment to a sustainable future. With faster charging times and a focus on battery health, this collaboration paves the way for a more compelling electric vehicle ownership experience.
