The Prague Post - Chery Unveils Volt-Dragon Charger Capable of Adding 500km Range in 5 Minutes

Chinese automaker Chery has unveiled a new ultra-fast charging infrastructure system, claiming it can replenish an electric vehicle with 500 kilometers of range in approximately five minutes. The demonstration took place at the company’s industrial base in Wuhu, China, where the manufacturer showcased its Volt-Dragon charging station alongside a new residential energy storage unit.

The Volt-Dragon station is designed to deliver a maximum power output of 1.44 megawatts. According to Chery, the system provides approximately 800 kilowatts of continuous direct current, with peak outputs reaching 1.44 MW for 45 seconds. The company states that compatible vehicles can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in five minutes and reach 97 percent capacity in six minutes and 50 seconds.

To manage such high power demands without overloading local grids, Chery integrated an energy storage buffer between the public network and the charging points. This reserve handles power spikes and maintains station operation during outages. The system also employs silicon carbide electronics and liquid cooling to achieve a 96.5 percent efficiency rating and improved thermal management.

A robotic arm was featured in the demonstration, autonomously connecting vehicles to eliminate the need for drivers to handle heavy charging cables. Chery described the setup as a future-ready station suitable for both private owners and autonomous robotaxis.

The announcement positions Chery in direct competition with BYD, which already operates more than 12,000 fast-charging stations in China. It also follows industry trends toward megawatt-level charging solutions being developed by other manufacturers such as Geely.

Despite the impressive specifications, significant technical barriers remain for widespread adoption. Vehicles must be equipped with compatible batteries, advanced cooling systems, and high-voltage architectures capable of sustaining near-megawatt inputs. Currently, no mass-produced electric vehicles meet these requirements.

Chery plans to deploy ten pilot stations initially, with a goal of expanding to 20,000 stations globally by 2029. The company has not yet provided specific dates for European deployment or confirmed which vehicle models will support the technology.

Alongside the charging infrastructure, Chery presented the Energy Cube 2.0, a residential storage system designed to integrate home energy use with vehicle charging and the power grid. The system supports Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, allowing stored energy to be returned to the network during off-peak hours.

Uncertainty remains regarding when European consumers will have access to this technology or which local models will be compatible. Real-world performance may also vary based on charging levels and ambient temperatures.

H.Dolezal--TPP