Huawei aims to push the boundaries of EV charging: 1km per second of charging

On February 27th, Huawei held its annual China Digital Energy Partner Conference, where its directors shared their vision and ambitions for electric vehicle charging. During the conference, Huawei’s President of Digital Energy, Hou Jinlong, stated that all EVs would soon transition to high-voltage charging to achieve remarkable charging speeds and provide a fueling-like experience. Last year, the tech giant announced an increased focus on EV sales and partnerships with other tech giants engaged in the auto industry.

The highlight of the director’s presentation was Huawei’s aim to expand its charging network as well as increase charging speeds, with the aim of 1 km per second of charging. Noting that “this feat can revolutionize the EV charging industry and eliminate range anxiety for EV owners.” Hou Jinlong projected a significant increase in EV ownership over the next decade, creating a surge in charging demand. To address this demand, Huawei aims to deliver ultra-fast charging speeds. Stating, “Historically, slow charging speeds and limited charging infrastructure have hindered widespread EV adoption.”

While the cost of ultra-fast charging equipment has been a concern for some charging station operators, Huawei emphasizes the focus should be on the cost per kilowatt-hour rather than the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX). By investing in battery safety technology and optimizing the charging process, Huawei ensures a secure and efficient charging experience for EV owners, further enhancing the appeal of their charging stations.

Huawei recently introduced its liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging station to address the need for high-speed charging. With a maximum output power of 600 kW and a maximum current of 600A, this charging station can achieve an approximate charging speed of one kilometer per second. The charging station supports a wide range of electric vehicles, including popular models from brands such as Nio, Tesla, Xpeng, and Li Auto, as well as commercial vehicles and cargo trucks. Huawei plans to “take the lead in deploying more than 100,000 liquid-cooled stations in more than 340 cities and major highways in China.”

The power grid faces significant challenges as the demand for electricity from charging networks continues to rise. However, Huawei sees integrating renewable energy generation, energy storage, and charging infrastructure as a viable solution. This integration will enable bidirectional energy flow, allowing vehicle owners to charge their cars and sell excess energy back to the grid. Stating that “such integration fosters the development of new business models and further propels the EV and charging network growth.”