Chery Automobile has unveiled an ultra-fast charging system with a capacity of 1.44 MW, a move that accelerates the pace of technical competition in the Chinese electric vehicle market. This new system is capable of providing batteries with a range of up to 500 kilometers in just 5 minutes, with the ability to charge the battery from 10% to 97% in 6 minutes and 50 seconds.
CheryMind Technology and Artificial Intelligence
In its new system, Chery relies on a technology it calls "CheryMind," an AI-powered system aimed at intelligently managing the charging process. This technology adjusts charging power in real-time based on temperature changes within the battery, ensuring optimal charging speeds while protecting the battery's safety and lifespan.
Why does this news matter?
This announcement comes amidst a heated race among Chinese companies to develop charging technologies that exceed the megawatt threshold. These figures place Chery's system among the most advanced technologies globally, ranking second in terms of full charging speed (up to 97%), trailing by only 23 seconds behind the record set by CATL.
The Competitive Landscape in China
Chery's system is not the only one of its kind; the Chinese market has recently seen successive announcements from major companies, such as the 1.5 MW charging system from BYD and the 2.2 MW system from Geely. Chery is currently planning to deploy 100 charging stations in 10 Chinese cities as a first phase, with an ambition to reach 20,000 stations worldwide by 2029.
What changes practically?
These developments confirm a shift in competition within the electric vehicle sector from merely increasing battery capacity to reducing charging downtime to levels approaching traditional refueling times. While charging infrastructure in other regions, such as the United States, still relies on 400 kW chargers, this technical leap in China sets new standards for efficiency in high-density urban areas, where fast charging is a pressing necessity for users who do not have fixed home charging points.