Volvo pushes EV battery development in pursuit of 1,000-km range

As it moves to become a fully electric car company, Volvo is pushing its battery cell technology development and production. The brand's goal is to offer a longer range and faster charging times.

It will do so by improving lithium-ion battery technology on its forthcoming second generation of electric cars, starting with the company’s first SUV on a completely new electric-only technology base.

By the middle of the decade, as it introduces its third generation of electric cars, Volvo Cars plans to improve the range further and integrate the battery pack into the floor of the car, using the cell structure for overall vehicle stiffness and improving efficiency.

In the near term, Volvo plans to work with leading Swedish battery company Northvolt to further increase the energy density in its battery cells by up to 50 percent compared to current batteries.

Later this decade, Volvo also looks to break the 1000 Wh/l energy density milestone, in order to achieve 1,000 kilometers of real driving range.

Current charging times are expected to be cut almost in half by mid-decade, thanks to better battery technology and continuous improvements to software and fast-charging technology.

Sustainability is also part of Volvo's plans. While the company does the battery development, it will also work reducing its carbon impact.

Battery cells from Volvo’s planned collaboration with Northvolt aim to be produced using 100 percent renewable energy, while it is working with other battery suppliers to do the same by 2025.

Lastly, the company will offer bi-directional charging, allowing customers to offload excess electricity in their car battery to the power grid. This means electric Volvo drivers can provide energy to the grid when prices and CO2 emissions related to electricity production are at their daily peak, while charging their car when emissions fall.

“We want to offer our customers sustainable, pure electric cars that makes their lives easier and more enjoyable,” said Volvo Chief Technology Officer Henrik Green. 

“Through smart innovation and collaboration with key partners, we can give customers what they want, more range, faster charging and lower costs, and further boost widespread adoption of electric mobility,” he concluded. 

Photos from Volvo

Also read:

Concept Recharge is the minimalist basis of future Volvo EVs

Electric Volvo XC60 will be first car made out of Northvolt partnership