Breathe Battery Technologies, a London-based startup specializing in advanced battery management software, has successfully raised $21 million in a Series B funding round. The round was led by Kinnevik Online AB, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital and the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. This investment aims to accelerate the development and deployment of Breathe’s innovative software solutions designed to optimize battery performance across various industries.
Addressing Rapid Market Evolution
The electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly in China, is experiencing unprecedented growth and rapid model development cycles. Chinese automakers are introducing new models in as little as 18 months, significantly faster than the traditional four-year development cycles common among Western manufacturers. This accelerated pace places immense pressure on automakers to predict market trends and adapt swiftly. Ian Campbell, co-founder and CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies, highlighted this challenge, stating, With the increasingly short development cycles in China, it’s driving a huge amount of cost and time focus.
Innovative Software Solutions
Breathe Battery Technologies offers a suite of software tools designed to maximize battery efficiency and longevity. Their flagship product, Breathe Charge, utilizes adaptive charging algorithms to dynamically adjust charging currents in real-time, optimizing battery health and performance. This approach contrasts with traditional stepped charging methods, which rely on predetermined rules and often fail to account for individual battery cell variations.
The company’s software has demonstrated significant improvements in charging times and battery lifespan. For instance, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo integrated Breathe’s technology into 27 of its models, resulting in a 27% reduction in charging time and doubling the devices’ cycle life. In the automotive sector, Volvo Cars plans to incorporate Breathe’s software into its upcoming ES90 sedan, enabling the vehicle to charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Comprehensive Product Suite
Beyond Breathe Charge, the company offers additional products aimed at enhancing battery design and performance prediction:
– Breathe Design: Assists manufacturers in designing battery systems that balance performance, cost, and longevity.
– Breathe Model: Provides predictive analytics to forecast battery behavior under various conditions, aiding in informed decision-making during development.
– Breathe Map: Offers detailed insights into battery cell characteristics, enabling precise control strategies tailored to individual cells.
These tools collectively empower manufacturers to make data-driven decisions, optimizing battery systems for specific applications and market demands.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Impact
Breathe Battery Technologies has established strategic partnerships with leading automotive and consumer electronics companies. In March 2024, Volvo Cars invested in the startup through its Tech Fund, securing access to Breathe’s patented, algorithm-based charging software. This collaboration aims to reduce charging times for Volvo’s next generation of electric vehicles by up to 30%, enhancing the overall customer experience without compromising battery health.
The company’s technology is also integrated into Oppo smartphones, where it has significantly improved battery durability and performance. These collaborations underscore Breathe’s commitment to advancing battery technology across multiple sectors, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient electrified future.
Future Outlook
With the new funding, Breathe Battery Technologies plans to expand its product offerings and enhance its software solutions to meet the evolving needs of the battery industry. The company aims to integrate its software earlier in the battery development process, providing manufacturers with tools to design and predict battery performance more accurately. This proactive approach will enable manufacturers to make informed decisions, balancing trade-offs between cost, performance, and longevity.
As the demand for efficient and reliable battery systems continues to grow, Breathe Battery Technologies is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy storage solutions. By leveraging advanced software and strategic partnerships, the company is driving innovation and setting new standards in battery performance optimization.
