The partnership means Volvo is the first car company to get access to the latest version of Breathe’s patented, algorithm-enabled charging software, offering its customers faster charging times and an enhanced overall driving and charging experience.
Volvo will implement the new technology in its new generation of fully electric cars, reducing the time it takes to charge from 10 to 80% by as much as 30% (while maintaining the same energy density and range). In addition to this, Volvo claim the charging time improvements will last across the full battery life cycle without impacting its health status.
The collaboration with Breathe is the result of a sourcing agreement for its flagship product, Breathe Charge, and reflects Volvos ambition to become a fully electric car maker by 2030.
Breathe is a UK-based start-up that develops battery management software with the aim of contributing to faster, better and more sustainable electrification.
“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, in the range where customers typically fast charge, represent a major step in the right direction as we continue to boost electric mobility and make it available to more people.”
Unlike traditional stepped charging, which relies on pre-determined rules, Breathe’s software uses adaptive charging to dynamically control the battery in real time, resulting in significantly shorter charging times.
“We’re very pleased with this investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars, and support their exciting journey towards full electrification,” says Dr Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies. “Deploying our technology at scale on Volvo’s next-generation EV platform opens doors to innovative car designs and performance improvements. We share a profound passion for electric mobility, and convenient, fast charging is one of the cornerstone enablers for the future we strive towards.”
