A start-up based in London has created battery management software that employs adaptive charging to dynamically regulate the battery in real time, leading to considerably reduced charging times. Volvo anticipates this will reduce the charging duration from 10% to 80% by up to 30%.
Volvo Cars has partnered with Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), making it the first automobile manufacturer to access the latest iteration of Breathe’s patented, algorithm-driven charging software for its upcoming fully electric vehicles. Breathe, a London-based startup, creates battery management software to accelerate and enhance electrification’s sustainability. Volvo Cars intends to integrate Breathe’s software into its proprietary battery management platform to optimize and enhance its charging technology, enabling quicker charging times and an improved driving and charging experience.
Volvo Cars intends to incorporate this new technology into its next-generation fully electric vehicles, where it expects to reduce the charging time from 10% to 80% by as much as 30% while maintaining the same energy density and range. The Swedish automaker has reported that tests have shown charge time improvements ranging from 15-30%. These faster charging times are expected to persist throughout the entire battery life cycle without affecting its health.
The partnership with Breathe stems from a sourcing agreement for Breathe’s flagship product, Breathe Charge, and is the latest investment by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. Volvo Cars has set a goal to become a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030. Since Breathe’s software is fully compatible with the hardware used in Volvo’s next-generation fully electric cars, scaling will be straightforward as the automaker anticipates a significant increase in electric vehicle sales in the coming years.
Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, expressed that the investment and commercial partnership with Breathe addresses a common issue for electric car customers by enhancing their charging performance. She emphasized that faster charging times, particularly in the range where customers typically use fast charging, are a major advancement in promoting electric mobility and making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Breathe’s software employs adaptive charging to dynamically control the battery in real-time, unlike traditional stepped charging, which relies on predefined rules. This results in notably shorter charging times. The software uses algorithms to manage the charging process based on the battery’s health, ensuring the best driver experience while avoiding the risk of lithium plating, which can degrade the battery’s performance and lifespan.
Dr Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies, shared his enthusiasm about the investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars, supporting their journey towards full electrification. He highlighted that deploying their technology on Volvo’s next-generation EV platform enables innovative car designs and performance improvements. He emphasized their shared passion for electric mobility and the importance of convenience and fast charging for the future they aim to achieve.
