Battery software company Breathe Battery Technologies has had its expertise deployed in an upgraded version of the Polestar 3, enabling significantly faster charging through a combination of adaptive control algorithms and an 800V electrical architecture.
The updated vehicle introduces Breathe Charge, a model-based battery management system that dynamically adjusts charging parameters in real time. The software uses a live simulation of the battery to optimise charging behaviour based on conditions such as temperature, state of charge and cell characteristics.
Breathe Charge improves charging performance
Dr Yan Zhao, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies, said: “The key benefit to Polestar 3 drivers with Breathe Charge is that it improves charging performance and consistency in all real-world conditions – notably also in cool weather circumstances. Testing data shows that our software enables Polestar 3 drivers to add as much range during a 10-minute charging session at low temperatures as they would charging without Breathe Charge in an optimal temperature range.”
The software has been integrated into the SPA2 platform developed by Volvo Cars, allowing continuous monitoring and control of battery operation during fast charging. According to the companies, this enables higher sustained charging rates while maintaining battery health over time.
The vehicle architecture has been upgraded to 800V, supporting peak DC charging rates of up to 350kW. The combined system allows the vehicle to charge from 10–80% in as little as 22 minutes under optimal conditions, with improved efficiency and reduced thermal load compared with lower-voltage systems.
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, said: “The extensive upgrade to an 800 Volt electrical architecture, coupled with cutting-edge battery software, delivers true added value and usability to Polestar 3 drivers thanks to faster charging that is among the best in its segment.”
The deployment highlights a growing role for software-defined battery control in improving real-world charging performance, particularly as OEMs move towards higher-voltage architectures and seek to differentiate on charging speed without compromising longevity.
An interview with Breathe Battery Technologies’ co-founder, Dr Ian Campbell, will appear in the Spring 2026 issue of BESTmag.
Photo: A Polestar 3 at a 350kW Ionity charging station Credit: Polestar
