- Dongfeng unveils a 1,500kW single-gun megawatt charger hitting 96.7% efficiency.
- Charger supports 150–1,000V, 1,500A output, 1.2MW modules, and scalable >2.4MW future capacity.
- China’s automakers and battery makers race to cut EV charge times below ten minutes.
Dongfeng Motor announced on July 29 that its self-developed kilovolt electric drive system and megawatt fast-charging pile have completed prototype production.
The megawatt fast-charging pile delivers a peak single-gun output of 1,500kW (current 1,500A, covering 150V to 1,000V voltage platforms, with overall efficiency of 96.7%), matching the highest level of mass-produced ultra-fast chargers currently available in China, and delivering more than 10 times the power of conventional 60kW-120kW fast chargers.
The charger uses a 1.2MW power module and supports flexible multi-cabinet expansion. Future versions are expected to reach more than 2.4MW output capacity.
Dongfeng plans to apply the technology across both passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle scenarios. The company also plans to develop next-generation charging products integrated with energy storage systems, building a high-power charging portfolio covering 720kW to 2.4MW.
Technically, Dongfeng’s 1,500kW single-gun output is approaching the level of BYD’s megawatt flash-charging system. BYD launched its second-generation megawatt charging technology in March. Vehicles equipped with second-generation Blade Batteries can charge from 10% to 70% in about 5 minutes, while a 10% to 97% charge takes around 9 minutes under megawatt charging conditions.
Dongfeng’s move highlights a broader shift in China’s EV industry, as automakers compete to cut charging times and narrow the convenience gap with internal combustion vehicles.
FAW’s brand Hongqi said on July 28 that its jointly developed ultra-fast charging battery with China Automotive New Energy Technology completed testing. The battery charged from 10% to 70% SOC in just 3 minutes 41 seconds, while a 10% to 97% SOC charge took 8 minutes 3 seconds.
Earlier in April, Lynk & Co said its 800V platform vehicles could achieve a 10% to 70% SOC charge in as little as 4 minutes 22 seconds and a 10% to 97% charge in 8 minutes 42 seconds when using V4 extreme charging stations.
During the same month, CATL introduced its third-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery, joining the race. The battery supports a 10C charging rate, with a peak charging rate of 15C. It can charge from 10% to 80% SOC in 3 minutes 44 seconds, and from 10% to 98% SOC in 6 minutes 27 seconds.
From battery suppliers to automakers, China’s EV industry is building a full-chain ultra-fast charging ecosystem covering batteries, vehicles and charging infrastructure.
However, BYD remains one of the few automakers that has already pushed megawatt charging into mass deployment. The company plans to build 20K megawatt charging stations in China and 6K overseas megawatt charging stations by the end of 2026.
The rapid evolution of charging technology is becoming a key driver for EV adoption. Data shows China’s new energy passenger vehicle wholesale penetration rate reached around 70% from July 1 to July 26, hitting a record high.
As 800V platforms, ultra-fast charging batteries and megawatt-level charging infrastructure become more widespread, one of the biggest experience gaps between EVs and gasoline vehicles — charging efficiency — is narrowing rapidly.
The shift in charging convenience is accelerating consumer adoption of pure electric vehicles.
