Daily EV news · China · 31 July 2026

On 29 July, Dongfeng Motor Corporation launched prototypes of a 1,500 kW per gun ultra high power charging pile using silicon carbide semiconductors, entering a megawatt class race previously led by BYD and CATL. The charger requires a 1,000 volt vehicle drawing 1,500 amperes to deliver full power; current 800 volt EVs, including Dongfeng's own models, are limited to 1,200 kW. The split cabinet design includes a 1.2 MW host unit housing core power electronics.

Why it matters: State owned Dongfeng's entry signals widening competition in ultra high power charging infrastructure, though deployment timelines depend on matching vehicle platforms reaching production. Procurement teams evaluating megawatt class hardware now face a broader supplier field, but must assess vehicle compatibility and grid integration before specifying 1,000 volt capable systems.

FAW Group's Hongqi brand and Tianjin battery maker Lishen Battery have completed tests on an ultra-fast charging battery that charges from 10% to 70% state of charge in 3 minutes and 41 seconds at 25°C, and from 10% to 97% in 8 minutes and 3 seconds. The battery achieves a peak charging rate of 12C, six to twelve times faster than conventional EV batteries that charge at 1C to 2C. FAW Group states this is the fastest 10% to 70% charging time for Chinese passenger EV batteries currently under development or in production, surpassing Geely's Energee Golden Brick battery which charges the same range in 4 minutes and 22 seconds.

Why it matters: Sub-four-minute charging times will drive demand for ultra-high-power charging infrastructure capable of delivering over 1,000kW, requiring CPOs to upgrade hardware and grid connections. Procurement teams must assess whether existing charge point specifications can support 12C battery technology as it enters production vehicles.