Since 2018, Volvo has been investing in small companies developing technology that it thinks could be useful to its vehicles. Now, it says that one of those companies has developed software that can reduce battery charging times (from 10-80 percent) by between 15 and 30 percent.
The UK-based company is called Breathe Battery Technologies, and it uses algorithms to manage the charging process. Whereas EVs traditionally keep their batteries safe with a stepped charging program that uses pre-determined rules, Breathe’s technology can dynamically control the energy flow in real time.
“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.”
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Not only does the technology speed up the charging process significantly, its dynamic control means that owners benefit from improved charging times throughout the life of their vehicles. And it will be a long life, as Volvo claims that the technology works without harming the battery pack. Breathe’s software monitors the health of the battery to avoid lithium plating, which can shorten the energy store’s lifespan.
Volvo says that it is the first automaker to use Breathe’s technology, and that it will be available to drivers in its upcoming EVs. Once the technology is out in the real world, further improvements are possible.
“Deploying our technology at scale on Volvo’s next generation EV platform opens doors to innovative car designs and performance improvements,” said Dr. Ian Campbell, Breathe’s CEO. “We’re very pleased with this investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars and support their exciting journey towards full electrification.”