Polestar 5 Prototype Impresses with 10 Minute 10-80% Charge, Sets New Standards

May 03, 2024 12:24 AM EDT

GRAY ELECTRIC CAR PARKED ON A CHARGING BAY — (Photo : Pexels/Kindel Media)

Polestar presents a state-of-the-art demonstration of the fast charging capabilities of the Polestar 5 Prototype. The electric Polestar 5 sedan, in partnership with StoreDot, demonstrates exceptional quick charging capabilities, reaching 80 percent battery life in ten minutes. This creative achievement puts the Polestar 5 Prototype in a leading position for effective and quick charging options, allowing electric vehicles to combine sustainability and convenience.

Rapid Charging Capability, Polestar 5

Due to the current state of DC fast charging capabilities, which are often limited to 300 kW, the standard charging time for an extensive recharge in electric vehicles typically varies between 30 and 40 minutes. On the other hand, the Polestar 5 Prototype is transforming this industry and setting the bar for rapid charging. One of the first EVs to test StoreDot's ultra-fast charging technology, this one represents a significant advancement for the electric car industry's quest for efficient and time-saving charging solutions.

According to Autoblog, Polestar and StoreDot have forged a strategic partnership that will allow Polestar to launch the Polestar 5 Prototype, which promises unparalleled speed and rapid charging capabilities, on an exciting journey. It takes less time to charge this cutting-edge electric car from 10% to 80% than it does to fill up a conventional gas tank.

Additionally, the prototype features a bespoke 77-kilowatt-hour battery pack that holds the promise of expanding its capacity to at least 100 kilowatt hours. This advancement translates to a potential addition of 200 miles of driving range to a mid-size EV within a span of approximately 10 minutes, reshaping the landscape of fast and efficient charging solutions for electric vehicles.

As reported by Motor Trend, the prevalent concern of EV range anxiety has significantly diminished in the collective consciousness regarding electric vehicles. Presently, the primary apprehension revolves around charger anxiety, encompassing the challenges of finding a dependable charging station and the duration spent waiting for an all-electric vehicle to charge on a DC fast charger.

Despite improvements in charging speeds, the typical timeframe spent at a public fast charger still averages between 30 to 40 minutes to transition from 10 percent state of charge (SOC) to 80 percent, highlighting the ongoing importance of enhancing charging infrastructure and efficiency in the EV landscape.

If the process of charging to acquire over 200 miles of range aligns with the time it takes to fill a fuel tank, XFC stands as the ultimate solution. In achieving this equilibrium, akin to the gradual disappearance of range anxiety from EV discussions, the current impediment to widespread EV adoption will fade away, paving the path for seamless and hassle-free EV ownership experiences.

About Polestar 5

According to Electrek, the Polestar 5, upon its launch, will become the fifth addition to the Geely-owned automaker's electric vehicle lineup. Originating from the Precept concept, this all-electric sports sedan represents Polestar's commitment to transforming concepts into production models.

The production prototype of the Polestar 5 made its debut towards the end of 2021, featuring unique carriage doors and a "Smart Zone" grille housing various ADAS sensors. A disguised prototype of the Polestar 5 demonstrated 884 horsepower and the company's novel 800V architecture, which enables quick charging, in a public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2023.

It was announced in November 2023 that StoreDot, an EV battery expert, would test its state-of-the-art 100in5 battery technology in the Polestar 5. This development aims to equip the 4-door GT with the ability to achieve a remarkable 100 miles of range in just 5 minutes through ultra-fast charging capabilities.

Polestar recently confirmed that the initial validation prototype of the 5 GT effectively showcased the promised rapid charging capabilities facilitated by StoreDot's XFC technology, completing a 10-80% charge in just ten minutes. During the demonstration, both companies noted the consistent charging rate maintained by the Polestar 5, starting at 310 kW and peaking beyond 370 kW.

In comparison to existing market standards, these charging rates represent notable achievements within the battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment, providing optimistic prospects for a future where drivers can conveniently park, recharge swiftly, and resume their journey-a process akin to the time it typically takes to refuel an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle at a traditional gas station.