Batteries for electric vehicles that can be charged in a little over six minutes have arrived.

      CATL has accelerated EV charging times to be quicker than your morning coffee run.

      CATL recently organized its Super Technology Day in Beijing, and if you're at all interested in electric vehicles, this event is significant. According to PR Newswire, the company introduced several innovations in battery technology, highlighted by the third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery.

      The statistics are impressive. It takes just 3 minutes and 44 seconds to charge from 10% to 80%, and only 6 minutes and 27 seconds to charge from 10% to 98%. Even in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, the battery can charge from 20% to 98% in approximately 9 minutes.

      For comparison, that’s quicker than the charging speeds of BYD’s blade battery and Geely’s fast charging solutions. In fact, many people take longer to refuel their gas tank and grab a quick snack than what this battery requires for a charge.

      CATL also assures that the battery will maintain over 90% of its capacity after completing 1,000 full charging cycles, effectively mitigating the common trade-off between fast charging and battery lifespan.

      What additional announcements did CATL make?

      CATL went beyond just one unveiling. The third-generation Qilin battery is aimed at premium EVs, featuring a cell energy density of 280 Wh/kg and an asserted range of 1,000 km, alleviating range anxiety for EV users.

      The total weight of the battery pack is 625 kg, which is 255 kg lighter than similar systems. The company claims this weight reduction improves braking distance, acceleration, and tyre lifespan by over 30%.

      For hybrid drivers, the second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid battery offers a pure electric range of up to 600 km, with a total vehicle range surpassing 2,000 km. Additionally, for those in extreme weather conditions, the new Naxtra Sodium-ion battery is expected to enter large-scale production by the end of 2026.

      What does this mean for you?

      Charging times and range anxiety have consistently been the primary reasons against transitioning to electric vehicles. CATL is making it increasingly difficult to use these concerns as excuses. With charging times nearing those of traditional gas stations and batteries capable of traveling 1,000 kilometers on a single charge, even in extremely cold conditions, the discrepancy between EVs and conventional cars is rapidly diminishing.

      By the end of 2026, CATL intends to construct 4,000 integrated charging and swapping stations across China. China is leading advancements in EV technology, and it's no surprise that customers in the US seek access to these vehicles.

      Rachit is an experienced technology journalist with over seven years of expertise in covering the consumer technology sector.

      Volkswagen is transforming the Jetta into a $15,000 electric SUV, but it's not coming to the US.

      With a boxy design aimed at budget-conscious consumers in Beijing, the Jetta X represents Volkswagen's most unconventional electric vehicle strategy yet. If you remember the Volkswagen Jetta as a sensible vehicle in suburban neighborhoods, prepare for a surprise. The Jetta is now reimagined as a boxy electric SUV concept specifically for the competitive budget EV market in China. Unfortunately, there are no plans for its introduction to the United States (via CarNewsChina).

      What implications does the Jetta X Concept's debut have for the company?

      Hyundai's Ioniq 3 boasts the range, aesthetics, and space to impress you.

      Hyundai has officially launched the Ioniq 3, a compact hatchback designed for European markets, aimed at addressing the practicality challenge that many electric vehicles face. Hyundai promises no range anxiety, no complicated technology, and no cramped rear seats.

      But does the Ioniq 3 offer sufficient features to compete effectively? Let's explore.

      Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class adopts a sporty electric form and is set to arrive in the US next year.

      The C-Class has consistently occupied a sweet spot in Mercedes-Benz's lineup, offering a refined feel that embodies luxury. Now, for the first time, it will be fully electric. Mercedes debuted the all-new electric C-Class on April 20 at a world premiere event in South Korea, with plans for its U.S. market introduction already underway, aiming for the first deliveries in the first half of 2027. The figures associated with this model are certainly noteworthy.