China is rapidly reshaping the future of electric mobility with a groundbreaking step in fast-charging technology. Orange Charging, a subsidiary of Didi, has unveiled a 1.6 MW ultra-fast EV charging station that can deliver 100 kilometers of range with just a one-minute charge.
This state-of-the-art system features liquid cooling and flexible power distribution, optimized by the in-house developed "Unicorn OS" smart operating system. It allows for efficient and adaptive energy management, offering both speed and reliability.
Currently, Orange Charging operates over 46,000 charging points across China, with more than 47% of them supporting over 180 kW output. This new launch marks not just a technical advancement but also highlights China’s overall progress in flash charging technologies.
But Orange Charging isn’t alone in this ultra-fast revolution. Major players like BYD, Huawei, Zeekr, and CATL are also advancing at full speed. BYD introduced a 1000 kW single and 1360 kW dual connector system, while Huawei focused on 1.5 MW solutions for heavy-duty vehicles. Zeekr launched 1.2 MW passenger car stations, and CATL is developing compatible high-speed batteries.
However, these advancements come with challenges. High voltage systems increase grid loads, impact battery life, and involve significant infrastructure costs. For instance, liquid-cooled stations cost between 80,000 and 120,000 yuan, and their coolant maintenance adds further expenses.
To address these issues, the industry is exploring AI-driven charging algorithms, innovative battery materials, and solar-integrated storage systems. BYD, among others, is working on integrated energy storage to alleviate grid stress.
Ultimately, China’s aggressive push for ultra-fast EV charging is not only setting domestic benchmarks but also signaling a global transformation in electric mobility infrastructure.