SAIC-GM, a joint venture between General Motors and SAIC Motor, in collaboration with battery manufacturer CATL, has launched the fastest-charging electric vehicle (EV) battery to date. The new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supports a 6C ultra-fast charging rate, marking a first in the industry.
The “C” rating denotes the battery’s charging multiplier. A 6C rating implies that the battery can theoretically be fully charged in one-sixth of an hour, or 10 minutes. With this technology, the battery can provide more than 200 kilometers of range from just a five-minute charge, significantly reducing range anxiety for electric vehicle users.
The battery will be implemented starting next year on the Ultium platform’s quasi-900 V high-voltage architecture. Ultium is General Motors’ next-generation EV platform, first announced in March 2020.
To achieve such rapid charging speeds, the 6C battery incorporates several advanced technologies to enhance electrochemical reaction efficiency and charging performance while ensuring stable battery operation. This includes a new electrolyte formulation that improves conductivity and reduces viscosity, facilitating better lithium-ion desolvation.
In addition to the new battery, the Ultium platform will undergo significant upgrades next year, including the adoption of a new quasi-900 V high-voltage architecture, a new cell-to-pack (CTP) structural design, and enhanced cooling technology.
Currently, the fastest-charging batteries in China’s EV industry support a charge multiplier of up to 5.5C. However, manufacturers continue to push for even faster charging capabilities.
Li Auto’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, the Li Mega MPV, is powered by a 5C battery jointly developed with CATL, making it one of the first models to feature such a fast-charging battery. When launched on March 1, the Li Mega was reported to achieve a 500-kilometer range with a 12-minute charge.
On August 13, Zeekr launched the 2025 Zeekr 007 sedan, claiming it to be the fastest-charging production car. The model features a second-generation Golden Battery with a maximum charging rate of 5.5C. According to Zeekr, the battery can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 10.5 minutes, adding 482 kilometers of CLTC range.
In June, reports indicated that CATL plans to launch a power battery with a 6C charging rate in the second half of 2024, potentially as the second generation of its Qilin Battery. Meanwhile, BYD is also reportedly considering the launch of a battery that supports faster charging speeds. Sources close to BYD suggest that the company’s second-generation Blade Battery could be introduced in the second half of 2024, with a 6C battery also in development.
Source: CNEVPOST
