The new Xpeng S5 charging station is set to outperform the company's previous 480kW units, NIO's 500kW and 640kW systems, and Zeekr's 600kW chargers. With an impressive 800kW power capacity, Xpeng's latest offering could dominate for a while. The S5 station boasts an 800v current output and a voltage of 1000v, making it a liquid-cooled powerhouse that surpasses even Tesla's Supercharger and other market options.
Rapid Charging Capabilities
Chinese EV manufacturers are fiercely competing to establish the fastest charging networks. Xpeng has introduced a new charging architecture that promises up to 187 miles (300 km) of range in just 5 minutes. The S5 stations, with their 800kW capacity, are expected to be operational by the third quarter of the year. This makes the S5 likely the fastest EV charger globally, capable of adding over 1 km of range per second of charging. The competition among Chinese EV makers like NIO, Xpeng, and Zeekr for the best charging system is intensifying, with many building vehicles on 800v or 900v platforms but lacking the necessary power infrastructure. However, the landscape is changing with the advent of these ultra-fast charging stations.
Support from Battery Manufacturers
Companies like BYD and CATL have also developed batteries that support super-fast charging while ensuring reliability and durability. The number of ultra-high-speed charging stations is on the rise. Xpeng projects that its 800kW charging station network will be functional by Q3 2024 and aims to establish up to 1,000 fast EV charging networks by 2026.
