Swedish electric vehicle brand Polestar has successfully demonstrated StoreDot’s extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology in a Polestar 5 prototype, as planned by the companies.

The “world-first” demonstration charged the 77-kilowatt-hour battery from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes. The BEV prototype saw a consistent charge rate starting at 310 kilowatts and rising to a peak of over 370 kW at the end of charging.

The carmaker says the battery pack, which has the potential to be increased to at least 100 kWh, could add 200 miles of range to a mid-sized electric car in 10 minutes. Currently, many modern EVs take around 30 minutes for a 10-80% charge.

“Importantly, the test proves XFC technology works with today’s DC charging infrastructure, which continues to feature more high-power DC chargers of 350 kW or higher,” the companies note.

According to the Israeli start-up, the experimental XFC battery’s modules have a structural function that improves mechanical properties and cooling ability. In terms of weight, it has the potential to be reduced. The pack also boasts high recyclability and serviceability, it claims.

The silicon-dominant cells are set to “revolutionise” EV ownership, says StoreDot chief executive Doron Myersdorf. This will be achieved by “eradicating the barrier of range and charging anxiety once and for all, as drivers will be able to travel long distances with the same freedom and convenience as traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles,” he explains.

“This technology will reshape consumer expectations and accelerate mass EV adoption,” adds Polestar ceo Thomas Ingenlath.

The companies are yet to confirm whether the Polestar 5 – a planned electric four-door GT – will be equipped with the XFC technology, Kallanish notes.

StoreDot says it’s “firmly on track” to deliver XFC cells that provide 100 miles in 5 minutes of charging this year. It’s currently shipping B-samples to OEMs and signing strategic manufacturing agreements. In March, it inked a deal with EVE Energy for manufacturing capacity in China, and potentially elsewhere.

Both EVE Energy and Polestar have invested in StoreDot.

The carmaker was expected to publish its Q4 2023 results on 30 April, after postponing the original 29 February schedule due to delays in paperwork. It’s unclear when the results will be released. Its Q1 2024 results are still planned for 23 May.