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According to CNC, the SAIC-GM joint venture in China and the world’s electric vehicle battery giant CATL have jointly launched the fastest-charging electric vehicle battery to date.
SAIC-GM stated that the companies have jointly developed a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that supports ultra-fast 6C charging, adding that this is the industry’s first 6C battery. The ‘C’ refers to the charge rate of the battery, and 6C means that, theoretically, the battery can be fully charged in one-sixth of an hour – equivalent to 10 minutes.
In a statement released yesterday, SAIC-GM claimed that their 6C battery can achieve a range of over 200 kilometers after just a 5-minute charge, significantly alleviating range anxiety for drivers of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
SAIC-GM further explained that the 6C battery utilizes several fast-charging technologies in the battery field to enhance electrochemical response performance, improve charging efficiency, and ensure stable battery performance. A new electrolyte formula optimizes ionic conductivity and reduces the viscosity of the electrolyte, enhancing lithium-ion transport capabilities.
The fastest-charging batteries currently used in China’s electric vehicle industry have a charge rate of 5.5C. However, battery manufacturers’ pursuit of even faster-charging technologies continues.
Li Auto’s first BEV, the Li Mega MPV, is powered by a 5C battery co-developed with CATL, making it one of the first vehicles to feature ultra-fast charging. When Li Auto unveiled the Li Mega on March 1st, they announced that the vehicle could achieve a 500-kilometer range with just a 12-minute charge.
On August 13th, Zeekr introduced the 2025 Zeekr 007 sedan, claimed to be the fastest-charging production car. Zeekr stated that, at the time, the model featured a battery with a maximum charge rate of 5.5C. They boasted that the new battery could charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes, adding approximately 482 kilometers of range.
On June 12th, a local media report indicated that CATL planned to launch a 6C battery in the second half of 2024, which would be the second generation of their Qilin battery.
Meanwhile, BYD is also considering launching a battery that supports faster-charging speeds, potentially in the second half of 2024, and their 6C battery is currently under development.
According to CNC
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