Geely Unveils Ultrafast AI-Powered EV Charging to Take On BYD

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. introduced an AI-powered electric vehicle charging technology that it says can bring a battery from 10% to 70% in under five minutes, intensifying the industry’s race for faster charging.

The Chinese carmaker said tests showed the technology charged a Zeekr 001 sedan and a Lynk & Co 10 hybrid from 10% to 70% in four minutes and 30 seconds, while charging to 97% took under nine minutes.

The technology, which uses algorithms to predict battery temperatures and adjust power, will debut alongside the latest generation of its “smart-charging” station, according to a statement on Wednesday. The station delivers peak charging power up to 2,250 kilowatts, it added.

With domestic demand shrinking and escalating competition, EV makers are turning to new battery technology aimed at easing range anxiety. Geely’s latest move challenges BYD Co., which earlier this year unveiled faster charging capabilities that brought batteries to 70% from 10% in five minutes.

BYD, which has been China’s best-selling car brand since 2023, has overtaken Tesla Inc. to become the world’s largest EV manufacturer.

Geely, which is based in the city of Hangzhou, has been developing new technologies, including batteries and charging stations, that directly compete with BYD’s offerings.

Despite outselling BYD in the first two months of this year, Geely has lagged behind its domestic rival in subsequent months.