Imtiaj Hossain 
Geely just made a massive claim about EV charging. They have unveiled a new AI-powered system that can reportedly charge a compatible EV from 10% to 70% in only 4 minutes and 30 seconds. This move puts them right in competition with BYD, both trying to make charging an electric car almost as fast as filling up a gas tank. If this technology actually makes it to the real world at scale, it could solve one of the biggest frustrations people have with electric vehicles: the waiting time.
Geely’s New Charging Technology
The new system, called Geely Smart Charging, was introduced in Ningbo, China, on September 23, 2026. Geely isn’t just introducing a new plug; they are combining a high-power station, advanced battery technology, and AI energy management. Their fifth-generation station has a claimed peak output of 2,250 kW. That is a massive 2.25 megawatts. But for most drivers, the headline is the charging time.
In Geely’s reported tests, a Lynk & Co 10 and a Zeekr 001—both fitted with new battery tech—went from 10% to 70% in just 4 minutes and 30 seconds. In the same test, they reportedly hit 97% charge in only 8 minutes and 40 seconds.
2,250 kW Sounds Huge—But There Is a Catch
While 2,250 kW is a huge number, that is just the station’s maximum output. It doesn’t mean your car will pull that much power the entire time. Geely’s test vehicles used a specific Shendun Golden Battery capable of a very high 12C charging rate. Independent reports also showed that even the test car only peaked around 1,093 kW, not the full 2,250.
This distinction matters because charging speed changes constantly based on how full the battery is, the temperature, and other factors. Think of that 4.5-minute time as a reported performance claim under ideal conditions with specific hardware, not a blanket promise for every electric Geely.
How Does It Compare With BYD?
This announcement lands right as BYD is also pushing hard on ultra-fast charging. BYD’s latest technology has a claimed 1,500 kW peak and says compatible cars can go from 10% to 70% in about five minutes. Geely’s reported 4 minutes and 30 seconds is slightly faster in that same window. This is clearly the new battlefield for China’s biggest EV makers. The competition isn’t just about who has the biggest battery or the most horsepower anymore; it is about who can get you back on the road the fastest.
AI Is a Big Part of Geely’s Approach
Geely isn’t just throwing raw electricity at the car. Their Xingrui PowerMind AI system reportedly predicts temperature changes 30 seconds in advance and adjusts charging power constantly. Geely claims the system tries to keep the average battery temperature below 55°C and limits peak temperatures during fast charging. Managing heat is critical when you push this much power. The system also uses a five-point liquid-cooling setup covering everything from the station itself and the cable to the car’s battery pack.
Will Ultra-Fast Charging Damage the Battery?
This is usually the first question people ask about ultra-fast charging. Geely claims its new tech uses pulse restoration to increase battery life by up to 20%. They also say their next-generation Ultra Short Blade Battery reduces heat by 10%. However, these are Geely’s claims. It will take long-term, independent testing to know how these batteries actually perform after years of being blasted with this much power. For buyers, a great demonstration is nice, but long-term durability matters more.
Does This Mean EVs Will Charge Like Gasoline Cars?
Not yet. The 4.5-minute result is impressive, but you need several things to make it happen:
- A compatible vehicle
- A specific high-rate battery
- Geely’s specific high-power station
- Ideal battery temperature
- A very strong electrical grid at that location
- The right charging conditions
This isn’t like pulling into any charging station and getting 70% in under five minutes. The biggest hurdle might actually be building enough of these specialized stations to make the technology useful for regular people.
Why This Matters for EV Drivers
Charging speed has always been the main difference between electric and gas cars. Filling a gas tank takes a few minutes, while EVs usually take a lot longer. Geely’s new system shows where the industry is heading. If charging can get into the 5–10 minute range consistently, people might worry less about waiting during long trips. But the stations are just as important as the battery itself. BYD recently hit 2,000 highway flash-charging stations in China, showing that the industry is already investing heavily.
The Bigger EV Charging Race
Geely’s announcement is another signal that Chinese EV makers are racing on charging technology. BYD has its flash-charging network, and Geely now has this 2.25 MW platform with AI management. For regular drivers, this competition should eventually mean shorter stops and less charging anxiety. The technology still needs to be deployed widely and tested in the real world, but the direction is clear: EV charging is getting much, much faster.
Important Note
The 4 minutes and 30 seconds charging time is based on Geely’s reported real-world testing with compatible vehicles and battery technology. Real-world performance can vary based on the vehicle, battery condition, temperature, the specific station, and other conditions. Claims about battery life and heat management should be treated as company claims until they are independently verified.
Sources: Official information from Geely Auto Group, Reuters, and CnEVPost.
