Volvo Cars has teamed up with Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), making it the first automotive company to gain access to the latest iteration of its patented, algorithm-driven charging software for application in its next-generation fully electric vehicles.
Breathe, headquartered in London, specializes in developing battery management software with the goal of advancing faster, more efficient, and sustainable electrification. By integrating Breathe’s software into its internally developed battery management platform, Volvo Cars aims to enhance and optimize the performance of its charging technology, enabling even quicker charging times and an improved overall driving and charging experience.
Volvo Cars intends to incorporate the new technology into its upcoming fully electric vehicle models, with expectations of reducing the charging time from 10 to 80% by up to 30%, while maintaining consistent energy density and range. Preliminary testing has indicated improvements in charge times ranging from 15-30 percent, with the enhancements projected to persist throughout the battery’s entire lifecycle without compromising its health status.
The collaboration with Breathe stems from a sourcing agreement for its flagship product, Breathe Charge, and marks the latest investment by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. With Volvo Cars aiming to become a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030, and considering that Breathe’s software seamlessly integrates with the hardware used in Volvo’s next-generation electric vehicles, scaling up is anticipated as the automaker foresees a significant rise in electric vehicle sales in the coming years.
Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, notes, “The investment and commercial partnership with Breathe help us address a common concern for electric car customers and enhance our charging performance to be even more competitive.” She emphasizes that faster charging times, especially within the range where customers typically fast charge, represent a substantial step forward in advancing electric mobility and making it accessible to a broader audience.
Distinguished from traditional stepped charging methods, Breathe’s software employs adaptive charging techniques to dynamically regulate the battery in real-time, resulting in significantly shortened charging durations. Through algorithms, the software manages the charging process while prioritizing the battery’s health to deliver an optimal driving experience while mitigating the risk of lithium plating, which could negatively affect the battery’s performance and lifespan.
Dr. Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies, expresses enthusiasm about the investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars, supporting their journey toward full electrification. Deploying their technology on Volvo’s next-generation EV platform at scale opens avenues for innovative car designs and performance enhancements, aligning with their shared commitment to electric mobility and the convenience of fast charging as a cornerstone enabler for the future.