Breathe Battery Technologies Revolutionizes EV Battery Development with Advanced Software

China’s automotive sector is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with new electric vehicle (EV) models launching in as little as 18 months. This rapid development cycle contrasts sharply with the four-plus years typically required by Western automakers, creating immense pressure to innovate faster and more cost-effectively.

At the heart of this innovation race are EV batteries, whose performance and adaptability can determine market success. Traditional physical changes to battery components are costly and inflexible, prompting startups like Breathe Battery Technologies to develop software solutions that enhance battery flexibility and efficiency.

Breathe offers a suite of four software products—Design, Model, Map, and Charge—that collectively optimize battery development and usage. Their Charge software, adopted first by Chinese mobile phone maker Oppo, reduced charging times by 27%. Automotive giant Volvo integrates Breathe’s software in its upcoming ES90 sedan, achieving rapid charging from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

The software’s ability to tailor charging and performance strategies to the unique characteristics of individual battery cells maximizes efficiency and longevity. This granular approach addresses the inherent variability in battery manufacturing, where no two cells are exactly alike.

Beyond charging optimization, Breathe’s Model and Map products enable automakers to simulate and predict battery performance over time, guiding strategic development decisions. For example, manufacturers can evaluate trade-offs between cost, charging speed, and battery lifespan to prioritize resources effectively.

Operating a dedicated lab in London, Breathe conducts extensive battery testing to generate data that feeds into their simulation models. Within four weeks, clients receive predictive models that evolve with ongoing real-world data, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

The forthcoming Design product aims to further accelerate battery innovation by providing software tools that streamline the design process, reducing reliance on time-consuming physical testing. This approach mirrors successful simulation software in semiconductor design, which has revolutionized processor development.

Breathe’s vision is to transform battery development through software-driven simulation and optimization, enabling automakers to meet the demands of fast-paced markets like China while managing costs and improving product performance. Their recent $21 million Series B funding, led by Kinnevik Online AB with participation from Lowercarbon Capital and Volvo Cars Tech Fund, underscores strong investor confidence in this innovative approach.

As the EV landscape continues to evolve rapidly, software solutions like those from Breathe Battery Technologies are critical for manufacturers striving to optimize battery performance, reduce development cycles, and adapt to shifting market demands. This software-centric approach represents a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation technology.