Volvo is investing in UK-based battery management software start-up Breathe in return for getting early access to its latest-generation battery management software.

The software will cut the time taken to charge by as much as 30%

The patented, algorithm-enabled charging software will be used on Volvo’s new-generation fully electric cars, cutting the time taken to charge from 10 to 80% by as much as 30%, while maintaining the same energy density and range.

Vitally, the charging time improvements will last across the full battery life cycle without impacting its health status.

The investment is being made by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the brand’s corporate venture capital arm, and reflects its ambition to lead the development of premium electric cars and become a fully electric carmaker by 2030.

“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,” said 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.”

Unlike traditional stepped charging which relies on pre-determined rules, Breathe’s software uses adaptive charging to dynamically control the battery in real-time, resulting in significantly shorter charging times.

Using algorithms, the software manages the charging process in line with the battery’s health to deliver the best driver experience while avoiding the risk of lithium plating, which can harm the battery’s performance and lifespan.

Full compatibility with the hardware used in Volvo’s new-generation fully electric cars will also enable easy scaling, supporting significant increases in electric vehicle sales in coming years.

Dr Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies, said: “Deploying our technology at scale on Volvo’s next-generation EV platform opens doors to innovative car designs and performance improvements. We share a profound passion for electric mobility, and convenient, fast charging is one of the cornerstone enablers for the future we strive towards.”