Volvo says that Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe) has developed software that can reduce battery charging times (from 10 to 80 percent SoC) by between 15 and 30 percent.
The UK-based company uses algorithms to manage the charging process. Whereas EVs traditionally keep their batteries safe with a staged charging programme that follows pre-determined rules, Breathe's technology can dynamically control the flow of energy 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.”
Not only does the technology significantly speed up the charging process, but its dynamic control means that owners benefit from improved charging times throughout the life of the car. And it will be a long life, as Volvo claims the technology works without damaging the battery pack. Breathe's software monitors the health of the battery to avoid lithium plating, which can shorten the lifespan of the energy store.
Volvo says it is the first carmaker to use Breathe's technology and that it will be available to drivers in its upcoming EVs. Once the technology is proven in the real world, further improvements are possible.
Source: Volvo Cars
