Volvo seeks 30% quicker EV charging without battery upgrades | KLRT [Video]

Volvo is looking to quicken EV charging times by relying on software rather than upgrades to batteries and other hardware.

The automaker on Monday announced a partnership with U.K.-based Breathe Battery Technologies to access that company’s “algorithm-enabled charging software” with its battery management systems—with the goal of optimizing charging performance.

Testing has indicated that this software could reduce the time to charge an EV battery pack from 10% to 80% by 15% to 30%, depending on the pack, while maintaining pack energy density and range, Volvo said in a press release.

Volvo EV battery modules

Software developed by Breathe, which is receiving funding from the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, can more closely manage charging compared to current stepped charging protocols, according to Volvo. While stepped charging relies on preset rules, Breathe’s algorithms can manage charging based on real-time analysis of battery health, allowing for more flexibility and potentially quicker charging, Volvo claims.

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