Volvo cars and Breathe partner for next generation fast charging

Volvo said it will implement Breathe’s software into its in-house-developed battery management platform to optimise and improve its charging technology and provide Volvo customers with faster charging times and an enhanced overall driving and charging experience.

The new technology from London-based start-up Breathe is expected to reduce the time it takes to charge a fully electric Volvo vehicle from 10 to 80 per cent charging state by up to 30 per cent, while maintaining the same energy density and range.

Volvo added that with Breathe’s fully compatible software, the charging time improvements will last across the full battery life cycle without impacting its health status.

In a statement, Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, said: “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.

“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 Charge, the software company’s flagship product, uses adaptive charging to dynamically control the battery in real time, resulting in ‘significantly shorter’ charging times.

Using algorithms, the software manages the charging process in line with the battery’s health to deliver the best driver experience while avoiding the risk of lithium plating, which can harm the battery’s performance and lifespan.

“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.”