Chinese automaker FAW Group has unveiled a next-generation 12C ultra-fast-charging battery under its premium brand, Hongqi, marking a significant milestone in electric vehicle battery technology. Developed in collaboration with Lishen Battery, the new battery has completed charging performance tests at 25°C, delivering charging speeds that could substantially reduce EV charging times while maintaining safety and efficiency.
According to FAW Group, the battery can charge from 10% to 70% state of charge (SOC) in just 3 minutes and 41 seconds, while reaching 97% SOC from 10% in only 8 minutes and 3 seconds. The company said the battery achieved a peak charging rate of 12C, representing a breakthrough in overcoming conventional lithium-ion cell charging limitations and setting a new benchmark for high-power charging performance.
The company attributed the battery’s performance to several technological advancements in cell chemistry and materials engineering. At the core of the innovation is a high-efficiency ultra-fast charging anode, designed to enable rapid lithium-ion movement during charging and support significantly higher charging rates than traditional battery cells.
Hongqi has also developed a low-desolvation-energy electrolyte, which reduces the migration barrier for lithium ions inside the battery. This enables faster ion transport and improves charging efficiency without compromising battery stability.
To further optimise performance, the battery incorporates composite carbon source coating and bulk doping modification technologies. According to FAW Group, these improvements reduce the battery’s internal resistance by 15% compared with cells using the same chemistry, resulting in faster charge transfer, lower energy losses and improved responsiveness during high-power charging sessions.
Thermal management remains one of the biggest challenges in ultra-fast charging, as rapid energy transfer generates significant heat. To address this, Hongqi has equipped the battery with an intelligent uniform-temperature liquid cooling system capable of maintaining a temperature difference of less than 3°C across the entire battery pack during fast charging. The system is designed to improve both charging consistency and long-term battery reliability.
Safety has also been integrated into the battery’s charging architecture. The battery features a fast-charging adaptive strategy that continuously monitors cell temperatures and adjusts charging power in real time based on predefined safety limits. This dynamic control helps minimise thermal stress while maintaining high charging speeds.
In addition, the battery management system performs continuous closed-loop verification of cell voltage and capacity, helping prevent overcharging, overvoltage and other operating conditions that could impact battery health or safety.
The launch comes as Chinese battery and electric vehicle manufacturers intensify efforts to commercialise ultra-fast charging technologies. Since the beginning of the year, several companies have introduced advanced charging solutions aimed at reducing charging times and improving the overall EV ownership experience.
Among the industry leaders, BYD’s Blade Battery 2.0 has already been deployed across multiple mass-produced electric vehicle models, while Geely’s Energee Golden Brick battery is currently being used in the Lynk & Co 10.
Hongqi’s latest Hongqi EV battery technology further highlights the rapid pace of innovation within China’s EV ecosystem, where manufacturers are increasingly focusing on faster charging, enhanced thermal management and improved safety. As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise globally, advancements such as the Hongqi EV battery with 12C ultra-fast charging capability are expected to play a crucial role in accelerating EV adoption and shaping the next generation of battery-powered mobility.
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