Volvo Cars has announced a strategic investment in UK startup Breathe Battery Technologies, aiming to leverage its battery software to slash charging time for its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) lineup by 30%. The collaboration between the two companies was revealed on Tuesday, highlighting Volvo’s commitment to advancing its next generation of EVs.
The exact amount of the investment from the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the automaker’s corporate venture capital arm, was not disclosed.
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Breathe’s cutting-edge technology is expected to be integrated into new Volvo EVs within the next two to three years, promising a significant reduction in charging times for customers.
“This initiative is all about addressing a key concern for our customers,” remarked Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of Volvo Cars Tech Fund, in an exclusive statement to Reuters. Ekberg emphasized that the investment in Breathe would provide Volvo with crucial insights and collaboration opportunities, positioning the company as a pioneer in the EV sector.
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One of the primary challenges faced by automakers is the limitation imposed by current EV software, which often restricts power intake from rapid chargers to prevent battery overheating or damage.
Breathe’s CEO, Ian Campbell, highlighted the unique capabilities of their algorithm-based charging software, which offers detailed insights into the health of individual battery cells. This allows EVs to charge at maximum power while ensuring safety and without compromising battery chemistry.
“This marks just the beginning of a significant transformation in battery technology, as they become increasingly defined by software,” Campbell remarked.
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The ability to charge faster is considered a pivotal factor in encouraging more customers to adopt EVs. Breathe’s existing software product, already deployed in 27 models of Oppo smartphones, enhances battery durability and performance over an extended period. Campbell confirmed that Breathe is actively developing this product for EV batteries, aligning with automakers’ focus on extending battery life and performance.
While Campbell declined to name specific partners, he revealed that Breathe is collaborating with several “top-tier blue-chip brands like Volvo,” indicating a strong industry interest in their innovative battery technology.
