Electric Future of the Automotive Industry: In-Depth Analysis of 6C High-Rate Fast Charging (Including Key Enterprises in the Battery Supply Chain)
On March 18, BYD unveiled its megawatt flash charging technology. The BYD Han L, equipped with flash charging batteries, can travel 400 kilometers after just 5 minutes of charging, achieving a charging speed comparable to refueling a conventional vehicle. This means that BYD vehicles can support charging power of 1 megawatt, reaching a peak charging speed of 2 kilometers per second. According to BYD, this is the fastest charging system available in mass-produced vehicles, allowing drivers to replenish 400 kilometers of range in just 5 minutes, nearly equivalent to the time it takes to fill up a gas tank and pay. This achievement is attributed to BYD’s self-developed “full liquid cooling megawatt flash charging terminal system,” which matches the ultra-high power charging requirement. To support this capability, BYD has developed a new generation of automotive-grade silicon carbide power chips, with a voltage rating reaching 1500V, setting a new record in the automotive industry.
As the penetration rate of electric vehicles continues to rise rapidly, competition among automakers is becoming increasingly diversified. Enhancing charging efficiency has become a critical area for improving user experience and differentiating competition, with high-rate fast charging being one of the significant means. High-end models are evolving towards 5-6C charging rates, while mid-range and lower-end models are moving towards 3-4C, and plug-in hybrid models will also exceed 2C. Overall, fast-charging battery performance is advancing to a new level, which will further alleviate range anxiety and boost penetration rates in the new energy vehicle market.
On one hand, innovations in battery materials and structures continue to emerge, leading to the successful development of battery materials with higher energy density, enhanced safety, and lower costs. On the other hand, the construction of vehicle charging configurations and charging infrastructure is also progressing simultaneously, thereby maximizing the advantages of fast-charging batteries.
1. Rapid Adoption of High-Rate Fast Charging
High-rate fast charging technology is becoming a new trend in the industry’s development. From 2021 to 2022, high-voltage fast charging technology in the new energy vehicle sector began to lay its foundation. By 2024, pure electric vehicles priced above 200,000 yuan in China are expected to widely feature 800V high-voltage fast charging, with a projected penetration rate exceeding 50% by 2026. As market scale expands, consumer demands for charging efficiency are increasingly rising. Therefore, further enhancing charging current and increasing charging rates while maintaining economic and safety standards is becoming even more crucial.
Currently, the mainstream charging rate for newly listed vehicles has reached 2C. By 2025, it is anticipated that high-end models will develop towards 5-6C, mid-range models will move towards 3-4C, and hybrid models will exceed 2C. For example, the BYD Yangwang U9 has a fast charging time of approximately 10 minutes with a charging rate of 6C, while the models under the Denza brand take around 20 minutes with a charging rate of 3C. The BYD Song LEV and Han EV models have fast charging times of about 25 minutes with a charging rate of 2C. Additionally, the GAC AION V, Xpeng X9, and NIO EC7 models also report fast charging times of around 20 minutes with a rate of 3C. The Li Auto MEGA achieves a charging time of 12 minutes at 5C, and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra 2025 model charges close to 10 minutes at 5.2C. The Zeekr 007 fast charges in about 10 minutes with a rate of 5.5C, while the BAIC Arcfox Alpha S fast charges in approximately 16 minutes at 2.6C.
2. Systematic Technological Upgrades Bring Multiple Value Increases
2.1. Power Batteries: Using Conductive Agents and Silicon-Doped Anodes to Adapt to High Charging Rates
As charging power and current increase, the technical requirements for electric vehicle power batteries are gradually rising. High-rate charging accelerates the growth of internal resistance and capacity decay, which can impact long-term stability and safety. At a 6C charging rate, the composition of the battery’s interface film changes, which is a primary cause of rapid capacity loss. Innovations in material systems are key to advancing batteries towards higher energy density, enhanced safety, and longer cycle life.
Currently, conductive agents and silicon-doped anodes are commonly used to mitigate the negative impacts of high charging rates on battery performance and longevity. The use of carbon nanotubes has significantly increased. Common conductive agents include carbon black, conductive graphite, VGCF (vapor-grown carbon fiber), carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Among these, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stand out as a new type of conductive agent with high strength and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which can significantly enhance battery high-rate performance. Compared to carbon black materials, adding just 0.5%-1.5% of carbon nanotubes can yield a significant increase in conductivity, allowing for reduced usage of conductive materials and enabling more positive electrode material to be packed in the saved space, greatly enhancing battery capacity, lifespan, and charging efficiency.
Silicon-carbon anodes can improve battery capacity and performance at high rates. The impact of 6C fast charging on anodes is much greater than that of conventional fast charging, mainly manifested in the deterioration of the SEI film composition, increased risk of lithium deposition, and damage to electrode structures. Some issues can be alleviated through high-temperature control and material optimization (e.g., carbon coating, secondary granulation), but high-rate charging still requires a balance between safety and lifespan. Future developments in fast charging technology will depend on innovations in anode materials (such as silicon-based anodes) and precise control of battery management systems (BMS).
2.2. OBC, DC/DC, PDU: Development Towards High Power and Integration
The small three-electric components (OBC, DC/DC, PDU) will evolve towards higher power and integration to meet the demands of high-rate charging. New silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices, due to their ability to provide higher power density and better energy conversion efficiency, are being gradually applied in the small three-electric systems. SiC offers high voltage and temperature tolerance, effectively reducing thermal losses and improving charging efficiency. Meanwhile, GaN, with its low on-resistance and fast switching characteristics, significantly reduces power losses during energy conversion.
Currently, most new energy vehicles feature an OBC power rating of 11kW, with some high-end models reaching up to 22kW. To accelerate charging speeds, the industry is transitioning to more powerful three-phase OBCs to achieve outputs exceeding 22kW. The trend of integration in small three-electric systems is becoming increasingly apparent, with optimal two-in-one solutions being 6.6kW OBC + 1.5kW DC/DC, and three-in-one solutions being 6.6kW OBC + 2kW DC/DC + PDU. High-power charging leads to increased internal temperatures in small three-electric systems, necessitating more efficient thermal designs and reliable electronic components.
2.3. High-Voltage Connectors: Increased Usage and Performance
The 800V high-voltage platform has driven a rise in demand for high-voltage connectors. This platform imposes higher requirements on both the quantity and quality of high-voltage connectors within electric vehicles. In terms of quantity, the number of connectors used in a new energy vehicle has increased to 800-1000, compared to about 500 in traditional vehicles. In terms of electrical performance, connectors must withstand higher voltages and exhibit greater current-carrying capacity and electromagnetic shielding capabilities.
The design of 800V connectors involves multiple considerations, including thermal management, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), durability against vehicle vibrations, and resistance to corrosion. Especially, the higher frequency of 800V AC can lead to electromagnetic compatibility issues, potentially interfering with other sensitive components. In the long term, upgrading the quality of connectors is an inevitable trend. Currently, high-voltage connectors have progressed to their fourth generation, featuring plastic housings, shielding capabilities, high-voltage interlocks, and dual-level unlocking mechanisms.
2.4. Charging Stations: Gradual Application of Liquid Cooling Technology
Liquid cooling for ultra-fast charging has become a consensus in the industry. Currently, high-power charging is primarily achieved by increasing charging current without raising the overall vehicle voltage platform. However, increasing the charging current rapidly raises the temperature of terminals and cables, leading to higher demands on the cooling systems of charging stations. Liquid cooling technology effectively dissipates heat generated during charging, thereby improving charging efficiency and speed. Liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging stations create dedicated liquid circulation channels between cables and charging guns, with coolant added to enhance heat dissipation, allowing thinner charging cables to carry higher currents, thereby exponentially increasing charging power and achieving fast charging.
Moreover, in a liquid cooling scenario, charging modules have no direct contact with the external environment, achieving a protection rating of IP65 for enhanced reliability. Currently, the full liquid cooling architecture, combining host liquid cooling and terminal liquid cooling, has become a recognized standard in the industry, enhancing the charging station’s quality, longevity, and broad coverage capabilities. The cables for liquid-cooled charging guns are designed to maintain lightweight while improving their current-carrying capacity and heat dissipation performance. For instance, 500A liquid-cooled charging guns typically have cables of 35mm², making them 30%-40% lighter than conventional charging guns.
3. Automotive Companies are Strategically Investing, Clear Industry Trends Emerge
3.1. Huawei: Industry’s First Launch of 6C Ultra High Voltage Technology
On February 20, 2025, Huawei introduced the Whale Battery 2.0 at the Zunji S800 technology launch event. The extended version of the Whale Battery 2.0 utilizes the industry’s first 6C ultra high voltage technology, allowing charging from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes, significantly enhancing charging efficiency. Moreover, the 5C pure electric battery pack has a capacity of 97kWh, taking only 12 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, with energy density increased by over 10%, achieving simultaneous improvements in charging speed and battery capacity.
As of November 2024, Huawei has deployed over 50,000 full liquid cooling ultra-fast charging stations across more than 200 cities nationwide. The maximum power of Huawei’s liquid cooling ultra-fast charging terminal reaches 600kW, covering a charging range of 200-1000V, with operational noise levels below 55dB, providing users with an optimal charging experience of “1 kilometer per second.” Additionally, the design of liquid cooling ultra-fast charging technology, validated through high reliability, boasts a lifespan of over 10 years, effectively protecting the equipment.
3.2. Xpeng Motors: Simultaneous Development on Vehicle and Charging Station Fronts
In November 2024, Xpeng Motors disclosed its “Kunpeng Super Electric System,” based on a full-domain 800V high-voltage silicon carbide platform. This system features a 5C super charging AI battery and a hybrid silicon carbide coaxial electric drive, along with a quiet range extender (operating noise of only 1dB), as well as an AI battery doctor and AI power functions. The 5C super charging AI battery can achieve “1 kilometer of charging in 1 second,” fully charging to 80% in just 12 minutes. The Kunpeng Super Electric System offers a pure electric range of 430 kilometers and a comprehensive range exceeding 1400 kilometers, achieving the industry’s top CLTC efficiency of 93.5% and demonstrating capabilities for rapid charging and long-range driving on a global scale.
On the charging station side, in July 2024, Xpeng Motors released its new S5 liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging station. The S5 station can achieve peak charging power of 800kW, delivering over 1 kilometer of range in just 1 second, and more than 300 kilometers in 5 minutes, with a startup time of less than 13 seconds and ultra-national standard safety configurations, ensuring safety. Xpeng Motors plans to accelerate the construction of S5 super charging stations in China and globally by 2025, with peak charging power expected to reach 960kW. As of January 14, 2025, Xpeng’s self-operated charging network has launched 2025 charging stations, including 1000 super fast charging stations (S4 + S5).
3.3. Li Auto: Simultaneous Development on Vehicle and Charging Station Fronts
Li Auto has partnered with CATL to launch the Kirin 5C battery, which achieves a charging rate of 5C and supports sustained high-power charging. With ultra-low internal resistance and dual large surface cooling technology, it offers efficient and safe charging. Additionally, self-developed SiC power chips and high-voltage integrated drive motors enhance the performance limits of the electric drive system, enabling rapid charging even at low-voltage charging stations.
As of February 2025, Li Auto has deployed 10,000 charging stations, with the number of Li Auto 5C super charging stations and urban super charging stations exceeding 1800. Specifically, Li Auto’s 5C super charging stations can achieve peak charging power of 520kW, allowing the Li Auto MEGA to charge from 10% to 80% in 12 minutes for a range of 500 kilometers. The urban super charging stations offer 4C and 2C super charging options, with the 4C super charging station reaching a peak power of 320kW, and the MEGA charging from 10% to 80% in 15 minutes. The 2C super charging stations have a peak power of 200kW, with the MEGA charging from 10% to 80% in 23 minutes. For home use, Li Auto provides 7kW AC charging stations and 20kW DC charging stations.
3.4. Great Wall Motors: Short Blade Batteries Covering EV and PHEV
On July 4, 2024, Honeycomb Energy unveiled several short blade batteries at its global partner summit. For the pure electric market, Honeycomb Energy introduced a 5C lithium iron phosphate short blade cell that can complete charging from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes, as well as a 6C ternary ultra-fast charging cell that can reach a peak power of 6C in the 10%-80% SOC range, allowing for a 5-minute charge to achieve a range of 500-600km. For the PHEV market, Honeycomb Energy launched the industry’s first thermally separated ternary short blade battery, the “800V Hybrid Ternary Dragon Scale,” suitable for 800V platform architecture and supporting ultra-fast charging with a maximum charging rate of 4C.
3.5. BYD: Expanding into New Fields with 6C and 1000V High-Voltage Fast Charging
In February 2025, BYD began trial operations of its ultra-fast charging stations, achieving a maximum operating voltage of 1000V and a current of 1000A, with peak power reaching 1000kW. Theoretically, it can fully charge a 100kWh battery in just 6 minutes, approaching the refueling efficiency of gasoline vehicles. Additionally, BYD is set to launch its second-generation blade battery in the first half of 2025, with energy density expected to increase from 140Wh/kg to 190Wh/kg, potentially exceeding a single vehicle range of 1000 kilometers while retaining the safety, stability, and low-cost advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries, further improving energy density to rival that of ternary lithium batteries.
3.6. Risk Analysis and Industry Chain Enterprises
In the competitive landscape of passenger vehicle performance, the fast charging capabilities of new energy vehicles will continue to improve. High-end models are developing towards 5-6C, mid-range models are moving towards 3-4C, and hybrid models will exceed 2C. Overall, fast-charging battery performance is advancing to a new level, which will alleviate range anxiety and enhance penetration rates in the new energy vehicle market. Innovations in battery materials and structures are consistently emerging, leading to the successful development of battery materials that provide higher energy density, enhanced safety, and reduced costs. Concurrently, the construction of vehicle charging configurations and infrastructure is also progressing, maximizing the advantages of fast-charging batteries.
Recommendations for companies involved include:
- Recommended Electric Vehicle Manufacturers: BYD, Seres, Jianghuai Automobile, BAIC Blue Valley, Changan Automobile.
- Silicon-Carbon Anode Manufacturers: Putailai (Electric New), Shengtai Technology (Electric New), Xiangfenghua (Electric New).
- Conductive Agent Manufacturers: Daoshi Technology, Tiannai Technology (Electric New).
- Small Three Electric Suppliers: Weimais, Xinrui Technology.
- High-Voltage Connector Suppliers: Yonggui Electric (Electronics), Ruikeda (Electronics), Shenglan Co. (Electronics), AVIC Optoelectronics (Electronics).
- Liquid-Cooled Charging Station Suppliers: Yonggui Electric (Electronics), Wolong Nuclear Material (Non-Ferrous).
However, there are still risks to consider:
- 6C fast charging may not achieve widespread adoption as expected. Currently, the market primarily relies on slow charging for vehicles, which may hinder the expected proliferation of 6C fast charging.
- End-user sales may not meet expectations, potentially impacting the overall profitability of related enterprises.
- Infrastructure support for charging may fall short of expectations, as high-voltage fast charging stations could place significant pressure on the power grid, potentially affecting the compatibility of charging stations due to insufficient grid capacity.
