Gothenburg, Sweden – April 29, 2024 – In a groundbreaking development, Polestar, alongside battery innovator StoreDot, has showcased the application of StoreDot’s Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) technology in a vehicle, achieving a remarkable 10-80% battery charge in just 10 minutes. This test involved a fully operational Polestar 5 prototype and marked the first real-world implementation of this technology using silicon-dominant cells in a driveable vehicle, rather than in lab conditions.
The demonstration featured a custom 77 kWh battery pack, scalable up to 100 kWh, which could potentially add 200 miles (320 km) of range to a mid-sized electric car within the same timeframe. This rapid charging was accomplished with a charge rate that began at 310 kW and escalated to over 370 kW, proving consistent efficiency throughout the charging process.
This trial represents a significant milestone in Polestar’s ongoing efforts to enhance the electric driving experience through innovative partnerships. The integration of XFC technology is poised to transform future Polestar vehicles, showcasing a proof-of-concept that could revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath emphasized the importance of time as a luxury, stating, “As purveyors of luxury electric performance cars, addressing EV charging anxiety is pivotal. This technology promises reduced charging times, closely mirroring the convenience of refueling traditional petrol vehicles, allowing drivers to quickly resume their journeys.”
StoreDot’s XFC technology employs advanced silicon-dominant cells, matching the energy density of leading NMC cells without needing specialized cooling systems in the vehicle. The design of the XFC battery also enhances structural integrity and thermal management while prioritizing high recyclability and serviceability.
Moreover, the technology proved compatible with existing DC charging infrastructures, which increasingly include chargers exceeding 350 kW. This compatibility ensures that drivers can significantly reduce their charging stops—mirroring the refueling process of conventional cars and thus, mitigating range anxiety effectively.
Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled with today’s demonstration and proud to collaborate with Polestar on this journey. Our extreme fast charging technology is essential for broad electric vehicle adoption, eliminating the longstanding barriers of range and charging anxiety and enabling the freedom akin to driving fossil fuel-powered vehicles.”
