“How far will it go, and how long will it take to charge?” Boil it down and these two are the primary concerns of most potential electric car buyers.
We’ve covered EV ranges elsewhere on these pages, but while range anxiety has been largely alleviated by the fact that most modern EVs can travel well over 150km on a single charge, charging times remain a significant concern, particularly for those who cannot charge their vehicles at home.
On longer journeys, you typically look at 30 minutes plus each time you have to stop to charge. Unsurprisingly EV-makers are in a race to reduce plug-in durations and significant advancements have been made in EV charging technology.
Last month we reported on Nyobolt, a British start-up that claims its electric sports car can charge from 10% to 80% in just 4 minutes and 37 seconds via a 350kW DC charger adding approximately 200km of range. It’s all thanks to a new battery system developed in Cambridge. Read more about it at this link.
But Nyobolt is not alone.
Polestar 5: Charge Time 10 Minutes
Polestar is also targeting the 5-minute charge time with its Polestar 5 set to launch in 2025. The company claims that new rapid-charging technology will add over 150km of range in just five minutes of fast charging. Dubbed XFC for Extreme Fast Charging, it comes from a tie-up between Polestar and StoreDot. However, a 10% to 80% charge would take only 10 minutes and add 320km of range.
The Polestar will employ 800-volt architecture paired with a 350kW charger. However, the technology behind its quick charging involves the use of advanced battery chemistry and high-powered charging infrastructure. The XFC batteries employ silicon-dominant cells that achieve energy densities comparable to the latest NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) cells.
The Polestar 5, coming next year, should be a champion charger. The company says it will add over 150km of range in just five minutes of fast charging.
BYD and CATL 10 Minutes & Zeekr 001 in 10.5 Minutes
BYD, now the largest EV car company in the world, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) are preparing to launch new EV batteries with a 6C charge rate, allowing them to fully charge in about 10 minutes.
CATL, releasing the 5C Shenxing battery earlier this year, has demonstrated its effectiveness in Geely’s Zeekr 001, charging it 10% to 80% in 11.5 minutes. This month, however, the company upstaged itself with an even faster 5.5C charging, giving its new 007 models a 10.5-minute charging time to 80%. The company is claiming a “new charging speed record” thanks to new Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries which outpace the brand’s existing NMC batteries.
Meanwhile, BYD is set to introduce the second generation of its Blade Battery, anticipated to offer even more range at a lower cost. it will support a 6C charge rate, making it capable of fully charging in about 10 minutes. This battery also uses LFP chemistry, which is known for its safety and long cycle life. The second-generation Blade Battery is expected to incorporate further enhancements to its thermal management system, allowing it to sustain the high power needed for 6C charging.
The Sub-20 Minute Club
- Kia EV6 – With its 800-volt system and capability to use 350kW chargers, the Kia EV6 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5/6 – Both models also feature 800-volt architecture and can achieve a 10% to 80% charge in about 18 minutes.
- Porsche Taycan – Known for its performance and luxury, the Taycan can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes using a 350kW charger.
- Audi E-Tron GT – This model, sharing its platform with the Porsche Taycan, offers similarly fast charging, with an 18-minute time to reach 80% from 10%.
- Lotus Eletre – the all-new sports SUV from Britain, boasts 900bhp, a 600km range and can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes.
- Lucid Air – This luxury sedan boasts fast charging capabilities, reaching 80% charge in approximately 22 minutes.
The Lotus Eletre is all about performance: long range (600km) and fast charging (10% to 80% in 20 minutes).
Understanding Fast Charging: What EV Buyers Should Look For
It’s worth taking a moment to understand what impacts the charging speeds of an EV. Here’s what you need to know:
- Charging Power (kW): The charging speed of an EV is determined by the power of the charger it’s connected to, measured in kilowatts (kW). Chargers range from 50kW to 350kW. 150kW Chargers are considered fast chargers and can typically add about 100-150km of range in around 20-30 minutes. However, for the quickest possible charging available, look for 350kW Chargers and charging capability.
- Vehicle’s Maximum Charging Rate: Not all EVs can utilise the full power of high-capacity chargers. For instance, if your EV can only handle 150kW, using a 350kW charger won’t make a difference, it will still charge at 150kW.
- Battery Architecture: EVs with an 800-volt architecture, like the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5, are typically capable of faster charging than those with a 400-volt system. Higher voltage allows for quicker energy transfer without overheating.
- Availability of Fast Chargers: The availability of ultra-fast 250kW or 350kW chargers is increasing as infrastructure develops. The UAE’s DEWA EV Green Charger network includes several 150kW and 350kW charging stations, with more being planned. In Saudi Arabia, initiatives under the Vision 2030 plan are also accelerating the deployment of fast chargers across the kingdom.
- The 10-80% charging figure is crucial for maintaining the health and efficiency of an EV’s battery. Discharging a battery below 10% can strain the cells, reducing the overall lifespan and performance of the battery. Conversely, charging beyond 80% often leads to diminishing returns in terms of charging speed due to the battery management system slowing down the charge rate to protect the battery from overcharging, which can generate excessive heat and wear.
As EV technology continues to advance, the gap between refuelling a petrol car and recharging an EV is closing rapidly. With the introduction of 6C charge rate batteries by CATL and BYD, along with advancements in the batteries themselves, the goal of achieving a 5-minute charging time doesn’t seem as far-fetched as previously imagined. Of course, it remains to be seen if, in the era of the 5-second attention span, even that would be quick enough. On the other hand, to put it in context, a typical fuel fill-up for petrol cars is about 3-4 minutes. Stay tuned for more updates on charging times!
