Volvo Cars (www.volvogroup.com) has acquired a stake in electric-car charging company FreeWire Technologies (via the Volvo Cars Tech Fund), deepening its commitment to a fully electric future; and while Volvo Cars’ electrification strategy does not envisage direct ownership of charging or service stations, the investment in FreeWire reinforces its overall commitment to supporting a widespread transition to electric mobility, together with other partners.

FreeWire (www.freewiretech.com) is a San Francisco-based company that has been a pioneer in flexible fast-charging technology for electric cars.

It specialises in both stationary and mobile fast-charging.

Installing traditional fixed fast-charging stations is usually a cost- and labour-intensive process requiring a lot of electrical upgrades to support the connection between charging stations and the main electrical grid.

FreeWire’s charging stations remove that complication by using low-voltage power from existing power outlets, so there is no need to go through the hassle of establishing a high-voltage connection to the grid.

Volvo Cars says that every new car it launches from 2019 will be electrified, and that it is aiming for fully electric cars to make up 50% of its overall global sales by 2025.

Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of Volvo Cars Tech Fund, said: “Volvo Cars’ future is electric, as reflected by our industry-leading commitment to electrify our entire product range.

“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.”