Volvo Cars' Adopts Fast Charging Technology, Invests on Breathe Battery Software

Mar 20, 2024 07:28 AM EDT

TRAFFIC INDUSTRY CHARGING CAR — (Photo : PEXELS/ Kindel Media)

Swedish luxury auto manufacturer Volvo Cars AB has revealed a strategic collaboration and investment with the UK-based startup Breathe Battery Technologies. This collaboration aims to include Breathe's cutting-edge software into Volvo's next generation of fully electric cars. This effort is to drastically cut down on charging times. The investment demonstrates Volvo Cars' commitment to enhancing the performance and economy of its planned electric vehicles through the use of cutting-edge technologies.

Fast Charging Technology

As reported by Markets Insider, the anticipated impact of this new technology includes a potential 30% reduction in the time required to charge a fully electric Volvo from 10 to 80 percent charging capacity, while preserving energy density and range.

These advancements are projected to apply throughout the entire battery lifespan without compromising its overall health. This collaboration positions Volvo Cars as the inaugural automotive company to gain access to the most recent iteration of Breathe Battery Technologies' proprietary algorithm-driven charging software for integration into their upcoming fully electric vehicle lineup.

Incorporating Breathe's software into Volvo Cars' internally developed battery management platform represents the company's commitment to optimizing and enhancing the capabilities of their charging technology. This strategic integration aims to elevate the overall performance and efficiency of the charging systems within Volvo's electric vehicles, reflecting the brand's dedication to advancing sustainable and innovative automotive solutions.

Solution to Charging Problems

According to Reuters, the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, has not announced the precise amount of its investment. Rumors have it that Breathe's technology will likely be included into new Volvo electric cars in the next two to three years, highlighting Volvo Cars' deliberate decision to embrace innovative developments in the field of electric vehicles.

Volvo Cars Tech Fund CEO Ann-Sofie Ekberg expressed to Reuters that the initiative primarily revolves around alleviating a pain point for customers. The investment in Breathe is aimed at garnering priorities, insights, and fostering effective collaboration, positioning Volvo to lead as an early adopter in this evolving landscape, as articulated by Ekberg.

One significant hurdle for automakers is the constraint imposed by electric vehicles' software, which often restricts power intake from rapid chargers to safeguard the battery against overheating or damage. Breathe CEO Ian Campbell highlighted that the company's algorithm-based charging software offers enhanced visibility into the condition of individual cells within the battery pack.

This enables electric vehicles to undergo full-power charging while upholding safety measures and preserving the battery chemistry. Campbell emphasized the transformative potential of such technological advancements, foreseeing a substantial shift in the realm of batteries as they increasingly evolve to be more software-defined.

The acceleration of charging times is widely regarded as pivotal in persuading a greater number of customers to transition to electric vehicles. Additionally, Breathe's existing software product, currently integrated into 27 models of Oppo smartphones, is designed to enhance the longevity and peak performance of batteries, further reinforcing the company's commitment to advancing battery technology across diverse applications.

Campbell emphasized that Breathe is actively engaged in the development of making this product accessible for electric vehicle batteries, underscoring the significance of prolonging battery life and optimizing performance as primary objectives for automakers. Furthermore, the startup is collaborating with a range of prominent blue-chip brands, such as Volvo, although Campbell refrained from disclosing specific names at this time.