At the core of the new XPENG G6 which has just been launched in Malaysia is an industry-first upgrade to 5C lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for all trims.
This next-gen battery technology offers a safer, more eco-friendly solution by eliminating the need for resource-intensive and costly minerals such as cobalt and nickel, making the version more sustainable without compromising performance.
This G6 is equipped with XPENG’s industry-leading powertrain technology, including the 5C Supercharging Battery and a full-domain 800V high-voltage SiC platform, available across all trims. The result is exceptional charging speed with a 10-80% State of Charge (SOC) achieved in just 12 minutes, setting new benchmarks.
What Is 5C
Well, 5C supercharged batteries” refer to batteries and charging systems, particularly from companies like XPENG and CATL, that can achieve ultra-fast charging rates, symbolised by “5C,” meaning they can charge at a rate five times their nominal capacity.
This technology allows for significantly reduced charging times, such as a 10-80% charge in about 12 minutes, offering more than 1 kilometre of range per second of charging. The “supercharged” aspect highlights the speed and efficiency of these systems, which are enabled by advanced battery designs and liquid-cooled supercharging piles.
What “5C” Means
C-Rate: The “C” in 5C refers to a battery’s C-Rate, which is a measure of its charge and discharge current relative to its nominal capacity.
High-Speed Charging: A 1C rate means a battery charges its full capacity in one hour. A 5C rate means the battery charges five times faster, bringing the charging time down to a fraction of an hour.
Key Features & Benefits
Ultra-Fast Charging: 5C supercharging enables an EV battery to go from 10% to 80% charge in just 12 minutes, a significant improvement over older technologies.
Rapid Range Addition: This technology can add more than 1 kilometer of driving range per second.
Advanced Battery Technology: The technology relies on innovations like XPENG’s liquid-cooled supercharging piles and CATL’s Shenxing batteries, which feature specialised cathode materials and improved structures for efficient lithium ion extraction.
Integrated Systems: The “supercharged” battery systems are integrated with advanced infrastructure, such as XPENG’s S5 liquid-cooled supercharging piles, to safely and effectively deliver high charging speeds.
Applications and Manufacturers
XPENG: The manufacturer XPENG features 5C supercharging technology as standard in some of its models, like the new G6.
CATL: The battery giant CATL also produces 5C-compatible batteries, like its Shenxing battery, which is known for its ultra-fast charging and safety features.
Partnerships: Companies like Charge+ are partnering with XPENG to deploy this ultra-fast charging network in Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia.
