Star Charge, CATL form strategic cooperation on EV charging tech R&D, facility construction

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 25, the opening day of the Auto China 2024, Chinese leading electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider Star Charge and power battery giant CATL signed a strategic cooperation agreement.

According to the agreement, both parties will collaborate intensively in several key areas including high-power charging, integrated technology development for battery charging and inspection, construction of charging infrastructures, and development of branded supercharging stations. They aim to create a leading supercharging network by interconnecting equipment, platforms, and data, providing comprehensive "location, navigation, charging, inspection, maintenance, settlement, and payment" services that enable new energy vehicle owners to enjoy an efficient and high-quality supercharging experience.

Photo credit: CATL

This collaboration marks not only a powerful alliance between two industry leaders but also a deep integration of the new energy vehicle industry chain's upstream and downstream players. Going forward, both companies will utilize their technological strengths and market resources to advance the construction of supercharger-focused charging infrastructure and service innovation. Additionally, they will enhance the battery safety and vehicle usage through the development and application of integrated battery charging and inspection technologies.

Star Charge, an Asian digital energy unicorn and a top domestic charging operator in China, provides global customers with EV charging and energy storage equipment, intelligent platforms, and user and data management services. It also offers integrated solutions for photovoltaic, energy storage and charging & discharging as well as virtual power plant operations. Both parties will leverage their technological strengths and market resources to promote supercharger-centric charging infrastructure and service innovations, while also advancing battery and vehicle safety through the development of integrated charging and inspection technologies.

Notably, at its recent global premiere event titled "Zero-Cost Upgrade to the Supercharging Era," Star Charge unveiled its latest supercharging technology and facility construction plans. Its supercharging products are compatible with a 1,000V high-voltage platform, with the main unit capable of delivering up to 960kW of power and supporting a maximum current output of 800A, enabling a "3-minute charge for a 400-km range."

At the auto show, CATL announced the initiation of an ambitious initiative that aims to establish 10,000 supercharging stations across 100 cities between 2024 and 2025, in a bid to create the world's largest supercharging network that serves tens of millions of vehicle owners.

Last year, CATL's Shenxing supercharging battery was introduced as the world's first mass-produced 4C supercharging battery made with lithium iron phosphate material, capable of charging for 10 minutes to achieve a 400-km range and exceeding a total range of 700 kilometers. This battery has now officially entered mass production.