Key Takeaways
- Geely introduces a new 2.2MW ultra-fast electric vehicle charging system.
- The system can charge compatible EVs from 10% to 70% in 4.5 minutes.
- Geely plans to expand its charging network in China, aiming for over 100,000 charging guns by 2027.
Chinese automaker Geely has unveiled a groundbreaking 2.2MW ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging system, capable of charging compatible EVs from 10% to 70% in just 4.5 minutes. This new technology positions Geely among the leading Chinese automakers in the race to reduce EV charging times to levels comparable to conventional fuel refueling.
The new system, named Geely Smart Charge, combines megawatt-level charging hardware with advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-based battery and thermal management technology. According to Geely’s testing, a Lynk & Co 10 equipped with the company’s latest battery technology achieved a peak charging rate of 1,093kW, charging from 10% to 70% in approximately 4.5 minutes and reaching 97% charge in 8 minutes and 40 seconds.
Geely’s Xingrui PowerMind energy model is used to predict battery temperature changes and adjust charging power in real time. This AI-based system is crucial for managing heat, which is one of the biggest challenges with megawatt-level charging. The system is designed to keep the battery within safe thermal limits while maintaining high charging speeds.
Alongside the charger, Geely has introduced its latest Aegis Golden Brick ultra-short blade battery technology. The company’s higher-performance 12C battery is used in vehicles such as the Lynk & Co 10 and Zeekr 001, while the 6C battery is being introduced in the upgraded Geely Galaxy E5. The 6C battery can charge from 10% to 70% in around 8 minutes and 25 seconds.
However, the fastest 4.5-minute charging figure applies only to vehicles equipped with the higher-rate battery technology and compatible charging hardware. Geely executive Zhang Dewang stated that charging speeds are approaching physical limits, meaning future improvements may become smaller as battery and charging technologies advance.
China’s electric vehicle market is increasingly shifting competition from driving range to charging speed. BYD has already introduced its own fast-charging technology, which can charge compatible vehicles from 10% to 97% in around nine minutes. Geely’s latest charging system enters the same competition, as automakers attempt to make EV charging stops comparable to traditional fuel stops.
While ultra-fast charging technology is improving, widespread adoption depends on charging infrastructure. Vehicles capable of accepting megawatt-level charging require compatible charging stations to deliver those speeds in real-world conditions. Geely plans to expand its charging network in China, targeting more than 100,000 charging guns by the end of 2027, including over 50,000 Geely Smart Charge units.
The company has also increased eligible battery warranties from eight years or 150,000 km to eight years or 200,000 km and plans to provide charging credits for buyers of compatible vehicles. Geely is preparing to enter Pakistan’s automotive market and plans to introduce electric vehicles, including the Geely EX5 SUV. The international version of the EX5 is based on the Galaxy E5.
