Commuting with electric vehicles (EVs) has long been hampered by charging times that look pretty pale in comparison to the convenience of gas station fill-ups. Sure, planning and route optimization can work for longer trips, but that approach may soon be obsolete. Chinese battery giants BYD and CATL are on the cusp of launching ultra-fast-charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that, in theory, could be fully recharged in just 10 minutes.
Upgrading the charging infrastructure is crucial in the long run
Battery technology is undergoing a rapid evolution. Recent years have seen significant improvements in both range and charging speed for EVs. BYD and CATL’s upcoming batteries are the latest example, aiming to revolutionize charging times. These companies are reportedly set to debut their ultra-fast-charging LFP batteries by the end of this year, potentially eliminating the need for lengthy charging stops during road trips.
The key to these rapid charge times lies in the 6C charging rate boasted by both the BYD Blade 2.0 and CATL Qilin 2.0 battery packs. In simpler terms, the “6” signifies that the charging multiplier is six times the battery capacity. For instance, a 100-amp-hour battery could be charged with a massive 600-amp current.
However, there are hurdles to overcome. Upgrading the charging infrastructure is crucial to support these speeds. Without an update to the charging network, owners of these advanced batteries won’t be able to fully benefit from their technology and will be limited by slower charging options. It’s also important to remember that batteries can’t maintain peak charging speeds throughout the entire charging cycle. Expect some strategic marketing around these new batteries, with a focus on specific charging windows, like 10% to 80% in 10 minutes. The 2024 Zeekr 001 with its 5C-rated battery is a prime example, achieving an 11.5-minute charge time for this range.
Specific details about the upcoming 6C batteries from BYD and CATL are still undisclosed. However, reports suggest that existing DC fast chargers designed for 4C-rated batteries (four times the charging speed compared to the capacity) can deliver up to 480 kW of power and a maximum current of 615 amps. Achieving even faster charging would necessitate an increase in either voltage or amperage (or both). While technically feasible, equipping thousands of DC fast chargers with such high-rated utility connections would require significant financial investment.
Progress is underway, though gradual. China has seen the deployment of the first 600 kW fast chargers from Huawei earlier this year. Additionally, Li Auto, the manufacturer behind the Mega minivan capable of gaining 310 miles of range in a 10-minute charge, has plans to install 5,000 5C-capable fast chargers by next year.
In comparison, Tesla‘s Supercharger network, the dominant DC fast charging network in the US, offers up to 250 kW of power from its V3 stalls. While respectable, there’s room for improvement, as evidenced by other US providers. Electrify America offers stalls delivering up to 350 kW, and Gravity Charging’s hub in New York boasts an impressive 500 kW per connected EV.
The future of EV charging appears to be speeding towards faster and faster charging times. While infrastructure upgrades and technical hurdles remain, the advancements by BYD, CATL, and other players in the battery technology space are paving the way for a more convenient and time-efficient electric vehicle ownership experience.
(Via)
