In electric vehicles, charging time has become as much a focal point as range. At this year's technology day, Sunwoda showcased a new cell-pack combination that takes battery charging to a level where it's measured in minutes, not hours. The next-generation LFP-based battery pack raises the bar in fast charging by reducing the charging time from 5% to 95% to just 9 minutes, and with this performance, the company shared a comprehensive roadmap for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Sunwoda's featured product The Xingchi Supercharge Battery 2.0 supports a peak charge rate of 15C. According to the specifications, the pack can reach 75% charge from 5% in 5,5 minutes and 95% in 9 minutes, setting a new and ambitious benchmark in the fast charging race. The prototype pack showcased at the event contains 264 prismatic cells. It boasts a capacity exceeding 98,8 kWh, an 844,8-volt architecture, a maximum current of 1.800 amps, and a lifespan of over 1.500 cycles. The manufacturer emphasized that ultra-fast charging will not be restricted during the warranty period, as long-term lifespan concerns are among the most frequently asked questions regarding high-speed charging.
Sunwoda explained its progress in fast charging step by step, stating that the work started in 2019 reached 4C in 2022 and 6C in 2024. Finally, 15C was achieved in LFP and 8C in triple lithium batteries. Not just for fully electric vehicles.At the event, new battery solutions for hybrid vehicles, utilizing large cylindrical cells, were also introduced. This pack can charge from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes. Hybrid battery packs ranging from 3 kWh to 7 kWh were also announced; for example, the 5 kWh pack boasted 150 kW of output power, over 15 kilometers of electric range, and an integrated DC-DC and 12V system within a 414V architecture. For commercial vehicles, the dual-gun charging system was noted to reach a peak power of 1,44 MW.
Why did sodium batteries become a separate topic? The second key topic highlighted by the company at the event was sodium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion and LFP cells were emphasized as key components in the energy storage solutions offered. According to data shared by Xu Zhongling, head of the Central Research Institute, sodium batteries last for 20 cycles at room temperature and over 10 cycles at high temperatures. While these technologies may not be the first choice for premium EVs, they are positioned as a strong alternative for low-voltage vehicles, entry-level models, and energy storage solutions due to their advantages in raw material access, cycle life, and safety.
AI integration is spreading to all processes. The AI+ battery approach introduced by the company is not limited to a single chemistry; it is based on a vision to build a data-driven system encompassing R&D, manufacturing, and different use cases. The technical roadmap released at the event covers HEVs, ultra-fast charging, lithium metal, very low-temperature sodium batteries, and various storage solutions, addressing these elements holistically.
