![Polestar 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4f9EXTZ3YWHK32sqBcxNKC-415-80.jpg)
When it comes to the best EVs, one of the biggest points of contention is just how long charging your electric car can take. At-home charging is usually around a mere 7kW, taking many hours to charge a battery. Charging outstations are faster (and pricier), with Tesla's SuperCharger network, in particular, lauded for its up-to-250kW maximum charging rate.
But Polestar just showed off a charging technology that even Tesla can't rival. A Polestar 5 with StoreDot's XFC cells on board – described by the company as a "reinvention of the battery chemistry, by replacing traditional li-ion with patented bio-inspired active-material nanoparticles" – charged 70% of a battery in under 10 minutes (77kW capacity, peaking at 370kW power delivery).
We reported late last year that the Polestar 5 could be 'the fastest-charging EV yet', and this next step in the car's progress shows off what could be a good thing for all future EV owners – if the technology is more widely adopted. Other companies are looking at more radical solutions, such as Nio, which offers a full battery 'drop and swap' station change system.
None of this is quite consumer reality worldwide yet, however, with Nio yet to open in the UK, and StoreDot and Polestar not on the market anywhere. There are alternative rivals incoming, too, including Tesla's 615kW SuperChargers of the future which could be a total game-changer – not that any car can benefit from those higher-capacity charging rates just yet (350kW is the maximum on-sale, available on the latest Porsche Taycan, for example).
Battery technologies are integral to so much of the technology we own. And with nickel and lithium in such high demand, not to mention being difficult to recycle and potentially problematic to source, alternatives are the next logical solution. Even the best phones are evolving, as a separate example, with the Honor Magic 6 delivering a silicon carbon cell that's more abundant to resource but also offers a higher energy density.
The car industry has to evolve too, especially as many governments and automakers have leveraged away from traditional combustion engine production. Sure, hydrogen fuel cell is still a viable option – and BMW, among others, continue to invest in that – but with the future seemingly set to electric, we need all the battery technology advances, (safe) faster-charging and other infrastructures to improve fast. Polestar and StoreDot represent one of the first steps in that evolution happening.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Mike is the Tech Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone too (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech and audio aficionado his beat at T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a tech stone unturned he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.
-
Lotus Emeya first drive: an electric tour de force
The Hyper Grand Tourer brings a long-imagined Lotus into an all-electric existence
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
The Alpine A290 is the hot hatch EV we’ve been waiting for
Is this warmed-up Renault 5 enough to prove electric cars can be fun?
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Mercedes-Benz EQA review: a fun and compact SUV
Mercedes’ smallest electric vehicle is a great city car with bags of range
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Living with an EV – 5 learnings about charging
After running an electric vehicle for six months, here's what I learnt about the charging process
By Fergus Scholes Published
-
Tesla cars are ditching one of the most popular entertainment features
Some owners might find one of their in-car features becomes no longer accessible
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
BYD Seal review: a tempting Tesla rival
With a 3.8-second acceleration and a sub-£50k price point, there's lots to love about the BYD Seal
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
New Tesla Model 3 Performance revealed – but it's less powerful in Europe and the UK
Updated Tesla Model 3 Performance is claimed to hit 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Here's why EV owners should care about Formula E
From race to road, Formula E is driving the next EVs
By Andy Sansom Published