Volvo Cars invests in Breathe for advanced fast charging

Volvo Cars has teamed up with Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), a London-based startup, to incorporate its patented algorithm-enabled charging software into Volvo’s fully electric vehicles. Volvo Cars powertrain will have ‘Breathe Charge’ integrated on the BMS. This partnership aims to enhance charging efficiency, potentially reducing the time required to charge from 10 to 80 percent by up to 30 percent. Using adaptive charging algorithms, Breathe’s software manages the charging process in real-time while maintaining battery health and without compromising energy density or range.

The collaboration with Breathe is a result of a sourcing agreement for its flagship product, Breathe Charge, reflecting Volvo Cars’ investment through its corporate venture capital arm, Volvo Cars Tech Fund. This aligns with Volvo Cars’ goal to achieve full electrification by 2030 and reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

“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.”

Software-defined batteries are a type of battery technology that utilizes advanced algorithms to control the charging process dynamically in real time. Unlike traditional batteries, which follow predetermined charging profiles, software-defined batteries, such as those developed by Breathe, employ adaptive charging techniques. This leads to shorter charging times and optimized performance. They also mitigate risks like lithium plating, enhancing battery lifespan and providing an improved driver experience. Breathe’s technology aligns with Volvo’s electric vehicles, facilitating scalability as electric sales grow. It shortens charging times without needing changes to battery pack design or extra material mining, reducing environmental impacts.

“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.”

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