Polestar 5 Prototype Charges from 10% to 80% in just 10 Minutes
Polestar, in collaboration with StoreDot, has successfully charged a Polestar 5 prototype using StoreDot’s Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) technology, achieving a charge from 10% to 80% in merely 10 minutes. This trial marks the initial implementation of XFC technology in an operational vehicle, rather than in laboratory conditions. During the test, the Polestar 5 prototype exhibited a charge rate beginning at 310 kW and peaking above 370 kW towards the end of the charging process.
The verification prototype, fully drivable and equipped with a custom 77 kWh battery pack - expandable to over 100 kWh - demonstrated the potential to add approximately 200 miles of range to a mid-sized electric vehicle in just 10 minutes. The aim of this test was to showcase a working proof-of-concept for XFC technology that could be incorporated into future Polestar models.
Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, noted that time is a significant luxury, and in addressing major concerns such as charging time, the technology developed alongside StoreDot can significantly reduce charging duration, drawing parallels to the refueling times of traditional petrol vehicles. This advancement enables drivers to return to their travels quicker, enhancing the convenience of electric vehicle ownership.
StoreDot’s pioneering XFC technology, which uses silicon-dominant cells comparable in energy density to leading NMC cells, does not necessitate specialized cooling systems within the vehicle. The design of the XFC battery also emphasizes structural integrity, enhanced cooling capabilities, and high levels of recyclability and serviceability.
Furthermore, the Polestar 5 prototype charging demonstration confirmed the compatibility of XFC technology with existing DC charging infrastructure, which includes an increasing number of high-power DC chargers rated at 350 kW or higher. This compatibility ensures that drivers can minimize the duration of charging stops—significantly reducing a typical 30-minute charge to about 10 minutes, thus aligning electric vehicle charging experiences closer to those of traditional fueling methods.
Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative progress and emphasized that the successful implementation of XFC technology is crucial for promoting broader adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating common concerns such as range and charging anxiety.
This rapid charging capability mirrors the convenience of refueling traditional gasoline vehicles, potentially making electric cars more appealing to a broader audience. However, the widespread implementation of such technology could demand significant upgrades to current charging infrastructure and raises concerns about the long-term durability and performance of batteries subjected to extreme fast charging. This balance between convenience and potential strain on battery life and infrastructure will be crucial as this technology develops.
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Source: Polestar
