In a significant stride towards mitigating range anxiety, Polestar and Siemens have unveiled pioneering advancements in fast-charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs).
Polestar’s Collaboration with StoreDot
Teaming up with StoreDot, Polestar has achieved a remarkable feat: rapid charging of a Polestar 5 prototype from 10% to 80% battery capacity in just 10 minutes. This achievement is made possible by StoreDot’s extreme fast-charging technology, which relies on silicon-dominant battery cells known for their ability to handle higher power inputs without substantial degradation. Unlike conventional lithium-ion cells, silicon-dominant cells can absorb ions at an accelerated rate, evident as the charging rate peaked at over 370 kW towards the end of the session. The 77 kWh battery pack used in the test, scalable to at least 100 kWh, added approximately 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
With this breakthrough, the time required for EV charging can be more closely aligned with refueling an internal combustion engine, significantly reducing charging anxiety among consumers. StoreDot aims to develop charging infrastructure capable of charging 100 miles in 5 minutes by 2024, 100 miles in 4 minutes by 2026, and 100 miles in 3 minutes by 2028.
Siemens’ Megawatt Charging Systems
In parallel, Siemens has made substantial strides in EV technology with the successful deployment of a prototype Megawatt Charging System (MCS). During testing, the Siemens MCS system delivered a 1 MW charge for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the realm of high-power charging. Leveraging Siemens’ Sicharge portfolio technology, the MCS features a customized dispenser that interfaces seamlessly with the vehicle’s charging port. This achievement was realized through collaboration with a major original equipment manufacturer, which provided a prototype long-haul electric truck for testing.
The focus of Siemens’ MCS technology lies in its high-power charging capabilities, essential for reducing charging times for heavy-duty electric vehicles, particularly those designed for long-haul transport. By addressing battery capacity and charging time challenges, Siemens’ 1 MW charging capability represents a substantial leap forward, potentially reducing charging times to minutes rather than hours.
Towards Widespread EV Adoption
Both Polestar and Siemens’ breakthroughs in fast-charging technology mark significant strides towards widespread EV adoption. As consumer sentiment surrounding range anxiety is assuaged, the industry moves closer to aligning the EV charging experience with that of refueling internal combustion engine vehicles. With these notable advancements, both companies are optimistic about the commercialization of their new technologies in the near future.