- Polestar and StoreDot achieve breakthrough in EV fast-charging with XFC technology
- Polestar 5 prototype charged from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes
- XFC technology promises faster charging without specialised cooling systems
Polestar and StoreDot hit a huge fast-charging breakthrough with Polestar 5 prototype
Polestar and StoreDot have achieved a breakthrough in fast-charging capabilities. The successful demonstration of StoreDot’s Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) technology in a Polestar 5 prototype marks a significant step forward in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing EV adoption: charging time.
During the demonstration, the Polestar 5 prototype was charged from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes, setting a new standard for EV charging speed. This feat was made possible by StoreDot’s innovative silicon-dominant cells. They boast energy densities comparable to top-of-the-line NMC cells. Unlike conventional batteries, the XFC technology eliminates the need for specialised cooling systems within the vehicle. This is thanks to the structural design of the battery modules.
One of the longstanding challenges in fast-charging technology has been maintaining consistent charging speeds across different states of charge (SOC). However, the Polestar-StoreDot collaboration demonstrated steady charging rates throughout the 10-80% SOC range. There were no significant drop-offs in speed or efficiency. This reliability addresses a critical concern for EV owners: range anxiety.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, commented:
“Time is one of life’s greatest luxuries, and as a manufacturer of luxury electric performance cars, we need to take the next step to address one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership – charging anxiety. With this new technology, on longer journeys when drivers do stop they’ll be able to spend less time charging and be back on the road faster than before. In fact, that stop time will be more akin to what they experience with a petrol car today.”
Moreover, the compatibility of XFC technology with existing DC charging infrastructure is a significant advantage. With an increasing number of high-power DC chargers reaching 350 kW or higher, drivers can expect faster charging times. They don’t need extensive infrastructure upgrades.
This achievement represents a significant advancement in EV technology, with implications beyond individual vehicle performance. By reducing charging times to just 10 minutes for a substantial portion of the battery, EV ownership becomes more comparable to traditional petrol-powered vehicles in terms of refuelling convenience. This development not only accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles but also contributes to a more sustainable future by eliminating barriers to widespread EV usage.
The successful demonstration of XFC technology by Polestar and StoreDot signifies a major leap forward in EV charging capabilities. This collaborative effort addresses technical challenges and paves the way for a more accessible and efficient EV ecosystem. We can’t wait to see this technology hit the roads, and change EV charging forever.
