Polestar has successfully demonstrated ultra-fast battery charging technology for the Polestar 5 prototype in partnership with StoreDot, achieving a charge from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes.
This demonstration marks the first application of such technology in a drivable prototype vehicle, starting at 310kW and peaking at over 370kW upon completion. Notably, this world-first achievement of silicon-based cells in a real-world drivable vehicle showcases Polestar’s commitment to innovative technology partnerships and the development of the ultimate driving experience for the future.
The specially designed 77kWh battery pack used in this demonstration has the potential to be scaled up to at least 100kWh and can increase the range of a medium-sized electric vehicle to 200 miles (approximately 320km) in just 10 minutes.
Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath stated, “Time is one of the greatest luxuries in life, and as a luxury electric performance brand, Polestar must move to the next step to address one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle ownership: charging anxiety.” He added, “By utilizing ultra-fast battery charging technology, drivers can minimize charging time during long trips and quickly get back on the road. The real charging time will soon match what is experienced in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.”
StoreDot’s innovative XFC technology employs silicon-based cells that have energy density equivalent to advanced nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells without the need for separate cooling systems. The experimental XFC battery module boasts structural features that enhance mechanical properties and cooling capabilities while reducing weight, achieving high recyclability and durability critical in pack design. The XFC tests conducted by Polestar and StoreDot engineers highlighted battery technology that could be integrated into future Polestar vehicles.
Today’s fast charging speeds in commercial electric vehicle batteries vary significantly based on the state of charge (SOC). During the demonstration, the Polestar 5 prototype recorded 310kW at 10% SOC and over 370kW at 80%, showcasing the capability to charge stably without significant changes in speed or efficiency.
Importantly, this demonstration allows for synergy with today’s increasing charging infrastructure that includes high-output DC chargers exceeding 350kW. The application of XFC technology could reduce charging times to 10 minutes, bringing them closer to refueling times for internal combustion engine vehicles. Notably, consistent charging speeds make it possible to charge from 50% to 80% in just 5 minutes.
Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, expressed, “I am thrilled and proud to share this impressive achievement with Polestar. Polestar recognizes the necessity of ultra-fast charging technology for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and is working to realize this goal. With this groundbreaking technology, drivers will enjoy the same temporal freedom as those with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, revolutionizing the electric vehicle ownership experience by eliminating barriers of range and charging anxiety.”
Jang-In Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr