The Engineer – Volvo Cars and Breathe partners for next-generation fast charging

The Engineer – Volvo Cars and Breathe partners for next-generation fast charging


Volvo Cars has partnered with Breathe Battery Technologies to be the first company to access the latest version of its patented, algorithm-enabled charging software.

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

New technology from the London launch Breathe it is expected to reduce the time it takes to charge a Volvo fully electric car from 10 to 80 percent state of charge to 30 percent, while maintaining the same energy density and range.

Volvo added that by using the fully compatible Breathe software, the improved charging time will last for the entire life of the battery without affecting its health.

In a statement, Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of Volvo Cars Technology Fundsaid: “The investment and business partnership with Breathe helps us address common pain points for electric vehicle customers and makes our payment performance more competitive.

“Faster charging times, in the range where customers charge faster, represent a major step in the right direction as we continue to increase electric mobility and make it more accessible to more people.”

Unlike step-by-step charging that relies on predetermined rules, Breathe Charge, the software company’s flagship product, uses dynamic charging to manage the battery in real time, resulting in ‘shorter’ charge times.

Using algorithms, the software manages the charging process based on battery health to provide the best driving experience while avoiding the risk of lithium deposition, which can harm battery performance and life.

“We are very pleased with this investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars, and to support their exciting journey towards fully electrified supply,” says Dr Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies.

“Deploying our technology at scale on the next-generation Volvo EV platform opens the door to innovative vehicle designs and improved performance. We share a strong passion for electric mobility, and efficient, fast charging is one of the key enablers for the future we strive for reach.”