The company’s electrification strategy does not envisage direct ownership of charging or service stations. However, the investment in FreeWire reinforces its overall commitment to a widespread transition to electric mobility. FreeWire is based in San Francisco and has been a pioneer in flexible fast-charging technology for electric carss. It specialises in both stationary and mobile fast-charging technology, allowing electric car charging to be deployed quickly and widely.
Installing traditional fixed fast-charging stations is usually a cost- and labour-intensive process that requires a lot of electrical upgrades to support the connection between charging stations and the main electrical grid. FreeWire’s charging stations remove that complication and use low-voltage power, allowing operators to simply use existing power outlets. This means drivers can enjoy all the benefits of fast charging without operators needing to go through the hassle of establishing a high-voltage connection to the grid.
Volvo Cars has one of the auto industry’s most ambitious electrification strategies. Every new Volvo car launched from 2019 will be electrified, and by 2025 the company aims for fully electric cars to make up 50 per cent of its overall global sales.
“Volvo Cars’ future is electric, as reflected by our industry-leading commitment to electrify our entire product range” said Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “To support wider consumer adoption of electric cars, society needs to make charging an electric car as simple as filling up your tank. Our investment in FreeWire is a firm endorsement of the company’s ambitions in this area.”
Atif Rafiq, Chief Digital Officer at Volvo Cars, added that FreeWire’s fast-charging technology holds great promise to simplify the experience for customers of electrified Volvos. The move by the company aims to make the future of sustainable electric cars more practical and convenient. Arcady Sosinov, CEO of FreeWire, said that the company was thrilled to partner with Volvo Cars and that this would enable access to technology, testing and new strategies that will accelerate the growth of the company.
The Volvo Cars Tech Fund was launched earlier this year and aims to invest in high-potential technology start-ups around the globe. It focuses its investments on strategic technology trends transforming the auto industry, such as artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous drive and digital mobility services.
Earlier this year, the Volvo Cars Tech Fund announced its first investment in Luminar Technologies, a leading start-up in the development of advanced sensor technology for use in autonomous vehicles, with whom Volvo Cars collaborates on the development and testing of its LiDAR sensing technology on Volvo cars.
Companies benefit from participation by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund because they may gain the ability to validate technologies, accelerate market introduction, as well as potentially access Volvo Cars’ global network and unique position in the Chinese car market.
Image: Volvo S90 T8 getting charged with FreeWire technology
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