The race to make electric cars charge as quickly as refueling a petrol vehicle is heating up, and China is pulling further ahead. After BYD made headlines with megawatt-level charging, Lynk & Co has stepped into the spotlight with its updated 10+ electric sedan, capable of charging at more than 1.1 megawatts.
The numbers are striking. According to the brand, the Lynk & Co 10+ can charge from 10% to 70% in just 4 minutes and 22 seconds. A 10% to 80% charge takes only 5 minutes and 32 seconds, while reaching 97% takes just under nine minutes. These figures push EV charging closer than ever to the convenience of traditional refueling.
Megawatt Charging Becomes the New Battleground
The breakthrough comes from a 900-volt “Shield Gold Brick” battery system paired with advanced cooling technology. This setup allows the sedan to maintain extremely high charging speeds, averaging 492 kW during rapid charging sessions. Even as the battery approaches full capacity, the system holds strong, delivering an average of 272 kW up to 97%.
This puts Lynk & Co in direct competition with Geely sibling brands and rivals like BYD, which recently introduced its own megawatt charging technology capable of adding 250 miles of range in about five minutes.
What this really means is the charging conversation is shifting. It’s no longer just about range. It’s about how quickly drivers can get back on the road.
Impressive Range Meets Performance
The Lynk & Co 10+ isn’t just about charging speed. The electric sedan features a battery capacity of around 100 kWh and claims a CLTC range of 507 miles (816 km). During a demonstration shared on social media, the car showed 494 miles (795 km) at 97% charge, closely matching official figures.
That said, CLTC ratings tend to be more generous than EPA estimates, as they are more city-focused. Real-world figures will likely vary, especially under highway driving conditions.
Beyond range, the 10+ also delivers serious performance. The top-spec version produces up to 912 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Lynk & Co also claims the sedan benefits from track-focused handling, suggesting the car is designed to be more than just a charging showcase.
Charging Infrastructure Still Matters
The record-setting demo was conducted using a Zeekr V4 ultra-fast charger, capable of delivering up to 1.2 megawatts. This highlights an important point. Ultra-fast charging isn’t just about the car. The charging network must also evolve.
Like BYD, Geely is building its own charging ecosystem, though it remains smaller for now. As these high-power networks expand, ultra-fast charging could become more practical for everyday drivers.
Still, factory demos typically occur under ideal conditions. Real-world charging speeds may vary based on temperature, battery health, and station availability.
Europe Could Be Next
For now, the Lynk & Co 10+ is expected to launch only in China. But with Lynk & Co already present in Europe and BYD planning to roll out megawatt chargers there, the next charging battleground may shift west.
China’s EV market continues to move at remarkable speed. And with megawatt charging becoming a reality, the future of electric driving may arrive sooner than expected.
