
Polestar and StoreDot have today showcased new extreme fast charging technology that could make the EV charge in a fraction of the time of current models. This also promises that it won’t degrade the battery.
One of the biggest frustrations for electric car owners is having to sit for up to an hour at fast chargers to refuel their vehicles. So, the idea of adding 100 miles of charge in just five minutes, should come as welcome news. StoreDot’s extreme fast charging technology (XFC) is dubbed 100-in-5 and could mean 10-80% of an EV battery in 10 minutes with a 350kW charger.
The technology could transform the fast-charging network, providing speeds that aren’t far behind petrol pumps. That would reduce the need to queue for chargers and reduce those long-distance journey times.
The Polestar 5 prototype is the first model to feature the XFC technology on board. Announced at Polestar’s even in LA, Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, says: “StoreDot is making huge strides forward in the development of their extreme fast charging technology and we are a proud investor and partner in its evolution. StoreDot’s pioneering extreme fast charging batteries, combined with our upcoming top-of-the-line electric powertrain, can revolutionise the ownership experience for EV owners with the ability to recharge in minutes.”
The battery for the Polestar 5 has been specially developed for this fast charging, with dedicated cooling plates above and below the batter, which form part of the structure of the car. The cell make up of the battery is also different, to better cope with the fast charging.
Of course, most EV drivers benefit from having an EV home charger for most of their charging needs. If you are able to have one of these installed in your home, you can easily charge overnight and will only need the fast charging for longer journeys.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
Sennheiser's newest headphones might be perfect for home listening
The HD 505 are ideal for entry-level audiophiles
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Forget The Last of Us Season 2, Apple TV+ just gave us diarrhetic zombies
If the fictional trailer is banned, what's this?
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
First electric Ferrari to be revealed in October this year
The Italian supercar maker says its Sir Jony Ive designed EV is just eight months away
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Va-va-voom! Renault’s crazy new EV is an electric Batmobile
New Renault Filante Record 2025 is a record-hunting laboratory on wheels
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
The new BMW iX is more powerful and goes further than ever
Face-lift gives BMW's electric SUV over 430 miles of range
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Looking for a Tesla Model Y alternative? Polestar has a new premium compact SUV on the way
Here’s what we know so far about the Model Y rival, the Polestar 7
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Christmas car gifts for auto addicts
Find the perfect present for those who know their Porsche from their Pagani and their 800 volts from their V8
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Mercedes’ new all-electric CLA coupe is mountains ahead of the competition
The upcoming next-generation Mercedes EV is a step-change in efficiency and charging
By Phil McNamara Published
-
This is my favourite classic car EV conversion yet
Mazda MX-5 goes electric! But not in the way you’d think…
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
You’ve seen the rebrand, now here’s the first new Jaguar EV
The Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
By Phil McNamara Published