GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – April 29, 2024 – In a groundbreaking event, Polestar, in collaboration with the pioneering fast-charging battery developer StoreDot, has unveiled a major advancement in electric vehicle technology by demonstrating the Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) capability of a Polestar 5 prototype. Achieving a rapid charge from 10% to 80% in just ten minutes, this test marks a significant milestone in EV innovation.
The demonstration showcased the effectiveness of StoreDot’s silicon-dominant cell technology in a fully functional vehicle, not just under laboratory conditions. The vehicle used a specially designed 77 kWh battery, which has potential for future expansion to 100 kWh, promising to add 200 miles (320 km) of range in mere minutes.
This XFC technology test represents a critical proof-of-concept for future integration into Polestar vehicles, paving the way for faster and more efficient charging solutions. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath highlighted the significance of time savings for luxury electric vehicle users, equating the rapid charging experience to that of refueling traditional petrol vehicles.
StoreDot’s innovative XFC technology leverages energy-dense silicon-dominant cells, comparable to the best NMC cells today, and does not require specialized cooling systems. The design of the XFC battery pack not only enhances mechanical properties and cooling capabilities but also focuses on high recyclability and serviceability.
Throughout the test, charging speeds impressively climbed from 310 kW to over 370 kW, maintaining efficiency across a broad state-of-charge spectrum. This demonstration confirmed the compatibility of XFC technology with existing high-power DC charging stations, significantly reducing typical EV charging times.
StoreDot CEO Dr. Doron Myersdorf expressed enthusiasm about this breakthrough, emphasizing its potential to eliminate range and charging anxieties, thereby facilitating easier adoption of electric vehicles. The technology promises to allow EV drivers the same convenience and freedom as those driving fossil fuel-powered cars.
