A Geely executive issues a warning about ultra-fast charging: "We are approaching the physical limit.

28/09/2026 14:00

Updated to

28/09/2026 14:00

Geely has now provided specific figures for the ultra-fast charging technology it announced a few days ago. The Chinese company has introduced a system capable of reaching 2.2 MW of power, allowing an electric vehicle’s battery to go from 10% to 70% charge in just 4.5 minutes, thus fully joining the technological race led by major Chinese manufacturers.

The demonstration also helps determine the true capabilities of the system. Under normal temperature conditions, Geely claims it can charge a battery from 10% to 97% in 8 minutes and 40 seconds. These figures confirm the significant progress made in fast charging in China, but they come with a notable warning from the company itself.

Geely believes fast charging is approaching its limits

Zhang Dewang, a Geely executive, stated during the presentation that current charging speeds are reaching a point where further improvements will become increasingly difficult. “Current charging speeds are already approaching physical limits,” the executive explained. He also noted that gains from pursuing even higher speeds will gradually diminish.

This reflection is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Chinese manufacturers are engaged in a fierce race to reduce charging times. Geely, BYD, and other companies have introduced megawatt-class fast charging systems in recent months, aiming to bring the experience of driving an electric car close to the speed of refueling a gasoline vehicle.

Geely had previously announced its new 2.2 MW technology, which is theoretically superior to BYD’s 1.5 MW Flash Charging system. However, it wasn’t until its official unveiling that the specifics behind the claim of completing a charge in about four minutes became clear.

Artificial intelligence for controlling a 2.2 MW power output

Managing such high levels of power also presents challenges related to battery temperature, degradation, and safety. Therefore, Geely is relying on artificial intelligence systems both in the cloud and within the vehicle itself.

The company uses digital simulations combined with deep learning models to monitor battery condition, manage its temperature, and anticipate potential risks. The goal is to ensure that the high power used during these charging processes does not compromise the safety or lifespan of the battery.

Geely’s offensive is a direct response to moves by companies like BYD, which has also invested in megawatt-scale charging systems. The rival manufacturer introduced this year a technology capable of charging a battery from 10% to 97% in nine minutes, while continuing to expand its own charging infrastructure.

Zhang Dewang believes that as these technologies spread, the charging ecosystem will eventually resemble that of current gas stations, with infrastructure used by vehicles from different manufacturers. This joint expansion, according to the executive, should accelerate the global rollout of fast-charging networks.