Inbizzy, Affalterbach/Munich, – Mercedes-Benz has once again set a new milestone in the electric vehicle sector. Following its 25 record-breaking runs at the Nardò high-speed track in Italy, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX has now achieved a new benchmark in charging: surpassing 1 megawatt using a single cable at a prototype charging station.
In the latest test, the concept vehicle reached a peak charging power of 1,041 kW. The 1-megawatt mark was reached in just 0.5 seconds after the charging process began and sustained for around two and a half minutes. Through a specially developed liquid-cooled CCS cable, currents of up to 1,176 amps were transmitted, enabling 17.3 kWh per minute – equivalent to 125 km of driving range (WLTP).
Formula 1-Inspired Battery Technology
This achievement was made possible by a high-performance battery engineered in Affalterbach. Inspired by Formula 1®, the battery uses cylindrical NCMA cells with a slim, tall design, providing an energy density of over 300 Wh/kg. A direct cooling system with electrically non-conductive oil regulates the temperature of more than 3,000 cells, ensuring uniform heat dissipation. With its 800-volt system, the battery allows lighter cabling and faster charging times, supported by intelligent thermal management.
Revolutionary Charging Infrastructure
Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with Alpitronic, adapted a truck-designed MCS charging station into a prototype system compatible with a slim CCS cable while still safely transmitting massive current levels. This approach highlights the integration of vehicle development and charging infrastructure, with findings from megawatt charging set to be applied to Mercedes-Benz charging hubs across Europe and North America.
Setting a New Standard for EVs
The collaboration between Mercedes-AMG, the Mercedes-Benz Charging Unit, and Alpitronic underscores the company’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries. With this record, Mercedes-Benz has set a new benchmark in ultra-fast charging, showing that high-performance electric vehicles can excel not only on the track but also at the charging station.
