10 minutes charging, 400 miles range: new battery presented

The figures presented are of course fantastic. The new battery called "G-Current" charges from zero to 80 percent capacity in less than 10 minutes. 5 minutes later, 90 percent is reached. That would be barely more than the time needed for a refueling stop to drive at least the next 300 to 400 kilometers (200 to 250 miles).

To achieve this, the battery is charged with an output of 400 kW, which can be provided by stationary energy storage systems. The fact that this high power can be absorbed at all is due to an improved design, so that the heat generated is dissipated directly to the outside, according to the manufacturer.

A particularly nickel-rich battery called "Stellary" was also presented, which works without liquid electrolyte and is based on cylindrical cells. It does not charge quite as quickly, but can restore 60 percent of its capacity in 9 minutes. This should still be enough to drive 350 kilometers (220 miles) in 5 minutes and 600 kilometers (400 miles) in 10 minutes.

Then there is "Gemstone". In addition to the energy density of 350 watt hours per kilogram, the focus here is also on robustness. It should be stable and fast-charging even in extreme heat, which was demonstrated in a room at 200 °C (400 °F).

It also relies only on solids. This would make 100 kilowatt hours possible with a weight of just under 300 kilograms, significantly less than other similar constructed batteries.

Further development planned in Europe

While the latter battery has currently only been announced, the other two models are already being built. There are also plans to set up energy storage plants in Spain. In addition, the development of new materials is also to take place in Spain.

In addition to the car manufacturer Seat, the entire Volkswagen Group could benefit from this. It owns just over a quarter of the shares in Gotion. This also includes a battery plant in Göttingen, Germany, where cells are already being produced.