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In a significant technological stride, Polestar and StoreDot have collaboratively achieved a rapid charging milestone, powering a Polestar 5 prototype from 10% to 80% in merely 10 minutes. This testing marks the first application of StoreDot’s Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) technology in an actual vehicle, rather than in controlled lab conditions, setting a robust precedent for future automotive battery technology.
Key Highlights
- The demonstration showcased a 10-80% charge in just 10 minutes using a specially commissioned 77 kWh battery.
- The battery, potentially expandable to 100 kWh, could provide an additional 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.
- The XFC technology maintains high charging speeds without the need for specialized cooling systems, enhancing its practical applicability.
The demonstration vehicle exhibited a consistent charging rate, initiating at 310 kW and peaking over 370 kW, demonstrating the effectiveness and stability of the XFC technology even in practical road-worthy vehicles. This novel approach could significantly alleviate the commonly experienced electric vehicle (EV) charging anxiety, suggesting a more streamlined and user-friendly future for EV charging infrastructure.
Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, highlighted the broader implications of this technological advancement, stating, “Time is one of life’s greatest luxuries, and as a manufacturer of luxury electric performance cars, we need to take the next step to address one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership – charging anxiety. With this new technology, on longer journeys when drivers do stop they’ll be able to spend less time charging and be back on the road faster than before.”
Significance of XFC Technology in Modern EVs:
- StoreDot’s XFC utilizes silicon-dominant cells, comparable in energy density to the latest NMC cells, without requiring additional cooling.
- The tested technology integrates seamlessly with current DC charging infrastructure, which is progressively supporting higher-power chargers.
- By reducing standard charging times dramatically, this technology brings the convenience of EV charging closer to the rapidity of refueling traditional petrol vehicles.
The practical implications are profound. As expressed by Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot, “We are very excited to share this impressive achievement today and proud to be on this journey with Polestar.” He emphasized that “this breakthrough revolutionizes ownership by eradicating the barrier of range and charging anxiety once and for all as drivers will be able to travel long distances with the same freedom and convenience as traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.”
About StoreDot: StoreDot, a leader in the field of extreme fast charging technology for electric vehicles, continues to push the boundaries of EV battery capabilities. Their pioneering technology promises significant reductions in EV charging times, mimicking the refueling process of conventional combustion engines.
About Polestar: Polestar is redefining the electric vehicle landscape, integrating cutting-edge technology with Swedish design principles. The company is ambitiously expanding its EV lineup, aiming to offer five distinct models by 2026 while also advancing towards a zero-emission future with the Polestar 0 project.
The collaboration between Polestar and StoreDot represents a leap forward in tackling the critical issues of range and charging times in electric vehicles, fostering greater acceptance and facilitating a shift toward sustainable transportation solutions.
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