Volvo Advances EV Charging Capabilities through Partnership with Battery Technology Startup
March 13 2024,
Volvo Cars has unveiled a strategic alliance with Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), signifying a pivotal advancement in the electric vehicle (EV) charging domain for its clientele. This joint effort brings forth a cutting-edge, algorithm-driven charging software by Breathe, designed to enhance the charging mechanism for Volvo's latest array of fully electric vehicles.
By incorporating Breathe's state-of-the-art software into Volvo's proprietary battery management system, the initiative is set to significantly boost charging efficiency. As a result, owners of Volvo electric vehicles can anticipate reduced charging durations, with predictions suggesting up to a 30% decrease in the time needed to charge a vehicle from 10 to 80 percent. This improvement is projected to remain stable over the battery's entire lifespan, ensuring no detriment to the battery's health, energy capacity, or range.
The collaboration is facilitated through a procurement agreement for Breathe Charge, the leading product of Breathe, coupled with an investment from the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the venture capital wing of Volvo. This move highlights Volvo's aspiration to dominate the premium electric car market and fulfill its vision of transitioning to a solely electric car manufacturer by 2030.
Based in London, Breathe is a startup dedicated to crafting battery management software that aids in a more effective and eco-friendly electrification process. Its technology is distinguished by its adaptive charging feature, which provides real-time, dynamic battery management, setting it apart from conventional stepped charging techniques. This method not only quickens the charging process but also closely monitors battery health to prevent lithium plating risks, thus prolonging the battery's operational life and efficacy.
Volvo's investment in Breathe is in line with its extensive environmental and sustainability ambitions, such as reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and evolving into a circular enterprise by 2040. Implementing Breathe's charging solution is anticipated to further these goals by improving charging efficiency without the need for additional environmental compromises, like altering the battery pack configuration or mining more materials.
Breathe's software's compatibility with the hardware of Volvo's forthcoming electric vehicles guarantees smooth integration and scalability, which is crucial as Volvo anticipates a notable rise in electric vehicle sales in the future.
This partnership between Volvo Cars and Breathe Battery Technologies marks a significant development in electric vehicle charging technology and embodies a mutual dedication to advancing electric mobility and enriching the driving experience for users.
