New EV battery adds 62 miles of range every minute, reaches 97% in 9 minutes

Chinese battery maker Sunwoda unveiled its latest fast-charging EV battery technology at a battery industry conference in Zaozhuang, Shandong, last week. According to the company, its new 15C lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery can add about 62 miles (100 km) of range per minute and charge from 10 percent to 97 percent state of charge (SOC) in 9 minutes at room temperature. These numbers highlight how important charging speed is in Sunwoda’s latest battery. The company says the battery can go from 10 percent to 70 percent in about 5 minutes, then reach 97 percent in another four minutes. Room-temperature charging tackles heat These charging speeds matter because ultrafast charging generates a lot of heat inside the battery. When charging power is high, the battery and its systems must handle large amounts of energy in a short period. Sunwoda’s technology puts a strong focus on managing heat. The company reportedly achieved these charging speeds at room temperature, meaning the battery doesn’t need to be very hot or cold to charge quickly. The battery also works well in cold weather. Sunwoda says it can add about 435 miles (700 km) of range in 15 minutes at -4°F (-20°C), charging from 10 percent to 97 percent even in those conditions. Battery targets long-term durability Fast charging often leads to concerns about battery degradation and long-term durability. Sunwoda says its new batteries meet warranty standards for 10 years or 186,000 miles (300,000 km). The company also states that there is no limit on how many times the battery can be ultrafast charged during the warranty period. This is meant to address worries that frequent fast charging might shorten battery life. Sunwoda already provides batteries to automakers like Geely, Dongfeng, and GAC. If manufacturers use this new charging technology, it could be applied to many different EV platforms. Sunwoda expands beyond battery cells The company also showed the infrastructure needed for its fast-charging technology. Sunwoda introduced an open charging system that brings together solar power, battery storage, and ultra-fast charging equipment. This approach allows energy generated from solar installations to be stored and later delivered to EVs through high-power chargers. Battery storage can also help manage the large electrical loads associated with rapid charging. Sunwoda’s broader system could allow the company to work directly with energy providers and microgrid operators. That expands its role from supplying EV batteries toward managing the energy systems that support high-speed charging. Faster charging could reshape EV use Sunwoda’s latest figures show how quickly EV charging technology is advancing. Adding roughly 62 miles of range per minute could bring some charging stops closer to the time drivers expect from conventional refueling. The company’s cold-weather results are also important because low temperatures can make battery charging more difficult. Sunwoda says its system maintains a high charging rate at -4°F while reaching 97 percent SOC in 15 minutes. The technology is still dependent on compatible vehicles and charging infrastructure capable of delivering the required power. Its real-world impact will depend on how quickly automakers and charging operators bring those systems into wider use. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.