This New Electric Car Nearly Fills Its Battery In Under 9 Minutes

Why It Matters

The breakthrough shows China pulling ahead in EV charging speed, pressuring competitors in Europe and the United States to accelerate their high‑power charger rollouts and battery‑thermal‑management research.

Key Takeaways

• Lynk & Co 10+ charges 10‑97% in 8 min 42 sec.
• Charging power peaks above 1.1 MW, avg 492 kW.
• 100 kWh battery offers ~507 CLTC miles (≈315 EPA miles).
• Competes directly with BYD’s 5‑minute megawatt charging.
• China’s ultra‑fast chargers outpace U.S. infrastructure plans.

Pulse Analysis

China’s EV makers are redefining the limits of rapid charging, and Geely’s Lynk & Co 10+ is the latest proof point. By integrating a 900‑volt architecture with a high‑energy‑density Shield Gold Brick pack, the sedan can ingest more than a megawatt of electricity, slashing a near‑full charge to under nine minutes. This level of power density demands sophisticated cell‑level cooling and advanced power electronics, positioning the vehicle as a benchmark for future high‑voltage platforms across the industry.

The Lynk & Co’s performance directly challenges BYD, which previously set the bar with a five‑minute, 1‑megawatt charge. While both manufacturers showcase impressive lab results, real‑world adoption hinges on the availability of compatible megawatt chargers and the long‑term health of batteries subjected to such intense currents. Experts warn that repeated ultra‑fast sessions could accelerate degradation, prompting a parallel race in battery chemistry and thermal‑management solutions to preserve longevity without sacrificing speed.

For markets outside China, the implications are profound. Europe is already seeing BYD’s “Flash” chargers, and Geely’s Zeekr V4 stations hint at a broader rollout that could force Western automakers to upgrade their charging networks. In the United States, Tesla’s upcoming megawatt chargers remain years away, leaving a potential gap in consumer expectations. As ultra‑fast charging becomes a differentiator, manufacturers that can marry speed with durability will likely capture premium market share, while regulators and utilities grapple with the grid impact of megawatt‑scale EV loads.