Volvo Cars and London-based startup Breathe Battery Technologies have teamed up to integrate ‘Breathe Charge,’ the latter’s innovative charging software, into Volvo’s lineup of fully electric vehicles. This collaboration aims to improve charging efficiency, potentially slashing the time needed to charge from 10 to 80 percent by up to 30 percent.
Volvo Cars is a renowned Swedish automotive company, recognized for its commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Founded in 1927, Volvo has established itself as a leader in the automotive industry, producing a wide range of vehicles known for their quality, design, and advanced technology. The company is dedicated to creating vehicles that are not only safe and reliable but also environmentally friendly, with a focus on electrification and sustainable practices.
On the other hand, Breathe Battery Technologies is a pioneering company specializing in software-defined batteries. Founded with a vision to revolutionize energy storage, Breathe focuses on developing advanced algorithms to optimize battery performance. Breathe’s technology enables faster charging times, longer battery life, and enhanced safety compared to traditional batteries.
Breathe’s software employs adaptive charging algorithms to oversee the charging process in real-time, ensuring the health of the battery while maintaining energy density and range. The partnership stems from Volvo’s sourcing agreement for Breathe’s leading product, with Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the automaker’s corporate venture capital arm, making an investment.
This strategic move is in line with Volvo Cars’ ambitious plans to achieve full electrification by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Ann-Sofie Ekberg, serving as the CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, emphasizes the value of this collaboration in tackling the challenges encountered by electric vehicle drivers and enhancing charging efficiency.
The speed at which electric cars can be charged, particularly during the critical fast-charging range, is crucial for advancing electric mobility and making it more accessible. Breathe’s software-defined batteries utilize sophisticated algorithms to dynamically manage the charging process in real-time, resulting in shorter charging times and improved performance compared to conventional batteries with fixed charging profiles.
This technology helps mitigate risks such as lithium plating, extends battery life, and enhances the overall driving experience. Breathe’s approach is in line with Volvo’s sustainability commitment, as it reduces charging times without the need to alter battery pack design or increase material extraction, thus minimizing environmental impact.
Dr Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies, expresses satisfaction with the investment and procurement agreement with Volvo Cars, highlighting their shared enthusiasm for electric mobility. The widespread implementation of Breathe’s technology on Volvo’s next-generation EV platform is expected to pave the way for innovative car designs and performance enhancements, contributing to a future of convenient and rapid charging.
