A breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology is set to transform the industry, with a new algorithm developed by Breathe Battery Technologies capable of boosting charging speeds by up to 30%. This innovative solution, which can be deployed via over-the-air updates, is poised to revolutionize the EV landscape, starting with Volvo's upcoming ES90 sedan.

The algorithm, part of Breathe's software package, dubbed Breathe Charge, utilizes advanced digital physics modeling to determine the ideal charging rate for individual battery cells. This approach allows for a much more precise and adaptive charging process, resulting in significantly reduced charging times. In contrast, traditional lookup tables used by most EVs are often inflexible and lack data fidelity, leading to imprecise results and wasted energy.

According to Breathe's CEO, Ian Campbell, the company's technology can deliver a 30% reduction in charge time when going from 10 to 80% on a high-speed charger. Moreover, the algorithm's ability to operate effectively outside of ideal thermal windows means that charge time improvements can be even more substantial in real-world scenarios. For instance, at zero degrees Celsius, the charge time improvement was a remarkable 48%.

The secret to Breathe's success lies in its deep understanding of individual cell behavior, gained through rigorous testing and simulation. This knowledge is then used to drive the company's digital physics model, which can be run on even the most limited hardware, making it compatible with a wide range of EVs. The algorithm's efficiency is key, requiring minimal processor cycles and fewer than 10 kilobytes of memory, allowing it to be deployed via over-the-air updates.

Volvo's ES90 sedan, set to hit the market later this year, will be the first to feature Breathe Charge. While there is potential for the technology to be retrofitted to existing Volvo EVs, no such plans have been announced. However, Breathe is already eyeing expansion into the American auto market, with job openings in Detroit, Michigan, and is also working on integrating its tech into consumer devices, such as the Oppo 8 smartphone.

The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching, with the potential to transform the EV industry and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. As the demand for faster and more efficient charging solutions continues to grow, Breathe Battery Technologies is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of EV charging.

With its innovative algorithm and commitment to advancing EV technology, Breathe is set to make a lasting impact on the industry. As the company continues to expand its reach and partner with major manufacturers, the possibilities for electric vehicle owners and the environment alike are vast and exciting.