A Polestar 5 prototype has managed to charge from 10-80% in 10 minutes. Charging rate during the test started at 310 kW and rose to over 370 kW by the end of charging. This is a world- first demonstration in a drivable vehicle, as opposed to a laboratory demonstration for individual cells.

The test was carried out with a Polestar 5 prototype car fitted with a 77 kWh battery. Its aim was to demonstrate a proof-of-concept for Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) battery technology from Israeli startup StoreDot.

StoreDot’s technology has an energy density equivalent to NMC cells but uses silicon-dominant cells. This means that the cells don’t need a specialist cooling system. Instead the experimental modules have a structural function which improves mechanical properties and cooling ability while maintaining or reducing weight levels. Furthermore, recyclability and serviceability are primary considerations in the pack design utilizing the XFC technology.

Current graphite anodes are reaching theoretical performance limits restricting development. In contrast XFC uses a silicon based anode which allows the possibility to push both energy density and charging rate times across several more battery generations.

Polestar’s test shows that the technology works with today’s DC charging infrastructure featuring chargers of 350 kW or higher. Additionally, it shows that StoreDot’s technology has a drop-in ability to integrate with existing cars.

“Time is one of life’s greatest luxuries, and as a manufacturer of luxury electric performance cars, we need to take the next step to address one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership – charging anxiety. With this new technology, on longer journeys when drivers do stop they’ll be able to spend less time charging and be back on the road faster than before. In fact, that stop time will be more akin to what they experience with a petrol car today,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

The  Polestar 5 is a four door GT model due to go on sale in 2025. It should measure in at around 4.7 meters long with a wheelbase of over 3 meters. Currently the Polestar 5 is meant to deliver with batteries from Korean producer SK On and the car will be produced in China. Whether StoreDot’s XFC technology will make it to the production version remains to be seen.

Source: Polesetar, StoreDot