Chinese EV battery makers race to cut charging times under 10 minutes
At the Beijing Auto Show, fast-charging technology has taken center stage as Chinese battery suppliers compete to reduce charging times. Second-tier suppliers including CALB Group, EVE Energy, and Sunwoda unveiled batteries that can charge from 10% to 70% in under 10 minutes. Sunwoda also introduced a fast-charging battery for electric bicycles, reaching 80% from 10% in 20 minutes with a lifespan of at least 2,000 cycles. EV start-up Nio demonstrated a full battery swap in three minutes. The race follows launches by BYD and CATL of batteries that can charge from 10% to 97% in less than 10 minutes. Li Xianyang, a battery specialist at Sunwoda, noted that replenishing energy is the final frontier where EVs have yet to fully surpass petrol cars in China, driving competition on time.
Key facts
- Fast-charging technology dominates the Beijing Auto Show, which runs until May 3.
- CALB Group, EVE Energy, and Sunwoda unveiled batteries charging from 10% to 70% in under 10 minutes.
- Sunwoda presented an electric bicycle battery charging from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes, lasting at least 2,000 cycles.
- Nio demonstrated a full battery swap in three minutes.
- BYD and CATL previously launched batteries charging from 10% to 97% in under 10 minutes.
- Li Xianyang of Sunwoda said the time needed to replenish energy is the final frontier for EVs surpassing petrol cars in China.
- The race focuses on reducing charging times to under 10 minutes.
- Second-tier Chinese battery suppliers are competing with industry leaders BYD and CATL.
Entities
Institutions
- CALB Group
- EVE Energy
- Sunwoda
- Nio
- BYD
- CATL
- Beijing Auto Show
Locations
- Beijing
- China