Geely Joins BYD in the 1,500 kW EV Charging Revolution with Zeekr 001

The race for ultra-fast 1,500 kW EV chargers is accelerating, with automaker Geely officially joining BYD in the megawatt charging revolution. This breakthrough technology enables electric vehicles to recharge in under 10 minutes, effectively matching the convenience and speed of filling up at a traditional gas station.

For current and prospective electric vehicle owners, this development is a game-changer that eliminates range anxiety and drastically reduces downtime during long road trips. By pushing charging times into the single digits, automakers are removing one of the final major barriers to mass EV adoption.

As the automotive industry pushes the boundaries of battery chemistry and electrical architectures, the shift from standard 400V or 800V systems to advanced 900V architectures is setting a new benchmark. This transition not only allows for massive power intake but also improves overall thermal management and energy efficiency during extreme fast-charging sessions.

The era of megawatt charging was recently highlighted when BYD shook the industry with its Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technology. Capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW of peak power, the new system boasts unprecedented speed.

According to the official specifications, BYD's Flash Charging can replenish an EV battery from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes. A near-full charge, going from 10% to 97%, takes only 9 minutes. Furthermore, the system is highly resilient to extreme weather; even at freezing temperatures as low as -30°C (-20°F), a recharge takes a mere 12 minutes.

While BYD initially stole the spotlight, Geely - the parent company of Volvo - has successfully unlocked its own EV chargers with a peak power of 1,500 kW. According to reports from Autohome, Geely has rapidly expanded its self-developed charging infrastructure across China.

The company's network currently encompasses 2,103 stations across 215 cities. Out of these, 1,216 are dedicated ultra-fast charging stations. The total infrastructure includes 10,212 charging ports and 5,548 ultra-fast chargers. Geely's "Extreme Charge Megawatt Pile" has already achieved a peak power of 1,300 kW through a single connector.

However, the true potential of this network is realized with the updated 2026 Zeekr 001 luxury EV. Launched in October, the new Zeekr 001 features a 12C charging rate that unlocks a peak power of over 1,500 kW. This is made possible by upgrading the vehicle to a 900V electric architecture, up from the 800V system used in the outgoing version. Powered by its self-developed 95 kWh Golden Battery, the Zeekr 001 can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 7 minutes.

Beyond charging speeds, Geely is aggressively advancing other EV technologies, including solid-liquid batteries, new powertrains, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to maintain a competitive edge. This technological push is reflecting directly in market performance.

In the first two months of 2026, Geely delivered approximately 76,000 more vehicles than BYD. During the same period, BYD reported a significant 41% drop in sales last month, indicating a fiercely competitive landscape where charging infrastructure and battery tech are critical differentiators.

The simultaneous achievement of 1,500 kW charging by both BYD and Geely marks a definitive turning point in automotive engineering. The fact that the 2026 Zeekr 001 utilizes a 900V architecture to handle this massive power influx proves that the hardware bottleneck is shifting from the vehicle to the grid. Furthermore, Geely's recent sales victory - delivering 76,000 more units than BYD early this year - suggests that consumers are highly responsive to holistic ecosystem improvements, where a robust proprietary charging network (over 5,500 ultra-fast chargers) is just as important as the vehicle's spec sheet. As solid-liquid batteries enter the fray, expect sub-5-minute charging to become the premium standard by 2027.

How fast is a 1,500 kW EV charger?
A 1,500 kW charger can replenish an electric vehicle battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the vehicle's battery chemistry and electrical architecture.

What makes the 2026 Zeekr 001 charge so quickly?
The 2026 Zeekr 001 utilizes an upgraded 900V electric architecture and a 95 kWh Golden Battery with a 12C charging rate, allowing it to accept over 1,500 kW of peak power.

Does extreme cold affect these ultra-fast chargers?
While cold weather typically slows down EV charging, advanced systems like BYD's Flash Charging can still complete a recharge in just 12 minutes even at temperatures as low as -30°C (-20°F).