New EV battery and 600 kW charger signal faster charging era

Wednesday 22 April 2026 - 16:00

By: Dakir Madiha

New EV battery and 600 kW charger signal faster charging era

Two major developments across the electric vehicle supply chain suggest that long charging times may soon decline. China based CATL unveiled a battery capable of recharging in minutes, while ChargePoint introduced a high power charging system designed to deliver faster energy transfer at scale.

At its annual event in Beijing, CATL presented the third generation Shenxing lithium iron phosphate battery. The company said the cell can charge from 10 percent to 98 percent in about six and a half minutes, with a partial charge to 80 percent completed in under four minutes. A one minute charge can add roughly 25 percent capacity. The battery maintains strong performance even in extreme cold, reaching near full charge in around nine minutes at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

CATL attributes this performance to a record low internal resistance of 0.25 milliohm, significantly below industry averages, along with a pulse self heating system that improves efficiency in cold conditions. The company also introduced new battery technologies, including an upgraded Qilin nickel cobalt manganese battery with an energy density of 280 watt hours per kilogram and a projected driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. A separate condensed matter battery concept aims to extend range to as much as 1,500 kilometers for certain vehicle types.

On the infrastructure side, ChargePoint launched the Express Solo system, a direct current fast charger capable of delivering up to 600 kilowatts to a single vehicle. The system can charge two vehicles simultaneously from one unit and can be expanded to serve up to four vehicles by distributing power dynamically. The design offers higher power density than comparable chargers while maintaining a compact footprint suited for urban environments.

The charger was developed in partnership with Eaton and is intended for deployment in both North America and Europe. ChargePoint says the system delivers around 40 percent more power density than similar products, reflecting efforts to meet growing demand for rapid charging infrastructure.

A gap remains between charging infrastructure and vehicle capability. Current electric vehicles are not yet able to fully utilize 600 kilowatt charging speeds. High performance models such as the Lucid Gravity can reach charging rates of around 400 kilowatts, below the maximum output of new systems. Industry forecasts suggest that vehicles capable of absorbing full 600 kilowatt power may become available toward the end of the decade.

Until then, the ability to distribute power across multiple vehicles offers a practical solution. The new charger is expected to be showcased at an upcoming transport industry event in Las Vegas, highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce charging times and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.