The race for dominance in the EV market is intensifying, with charging speed emerging as a key differentiator. In a groundbreaking development, General Motors (GM) and its Chinese partner CATL have introduced the fastest-charging EV battery to date.
The new battery, based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, boasts a remarkable 6C ultra-fast charging capability. The “C” rating refers to the battery’s charging speed, and a 6C rating means that the battery can be fully charged in a fraction of the time compared to conventional batteries. According to CnEV Post, this innovation allows the battery to charge in just 10 minutes—”one-sixth of an hour.” With such rapid charging, the new battery can deliver over 124 miles (200 kilometers) of range after just a five-minute charge, addressing one of the main concerns: range anxiety.
The 6C battery is set to be integrated into GM’s Ultium platform, the foundation for the company’s next-generation electric vehicles. The Ultium platform, introduced in 2020, underpins GM’s electric vehicle architecture and has been designed to support high-voltage battery systems, including the upcoming quasi-900V architecture. This means that the 6C battery will not only offer unprecedented charging speed but also seamlessly fit into GM’s future EV designs.
The development of the 6C battery includes several cutting-edge technologies aimed at optimizing charging speed and efficiency. One notable feature is its advanced electrolyte composition, which improves ionic conductivity, reduces electrolyte viscosity, and promotes better lithium-ion desolvation within the battery cells. These improvements make the chemical reactions within the battery more efficient, allowing it to charge faster without compromising reliability.
The 6C battery’s speed surpasses that of current leading EV batteries, including the 5.5C battery used by Chinese automakers. For instance, Li Auto’s Li Mega MPV features a 5C battery capable of a 310-mile range after a 12-minute charge. China’s Zeekr also recently unveiled the 2025 Zeekr 007 sedan, claiming it as the fastest-charging production car with its second-generation Golden Battery, which charges from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 10.5 minutes.
The race to develop the fastest-charging batteries is fierce, with automakers and battery manufacturers from around the world vying for supremacy. GM and CATL’s 6C battery raises the bar, positioning GM as a front-runner in the EV industry.
However, other developments, such as solid-state battery breakthroughs, are also pushing the envelope in fast-charging technology. Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China recently created an innovative method for solid-state electrocatalysis in lithium-ion batteries, allowing them to recharge 80 percent of energy in just 9 minutes.