XPeng, Volkswagen To Jointly Build Super-Fast EV Charging Network In China

Chinese EV startup XPeng Inc. XPEV and German automaker Volkswagen AG VWAGY are looking to jointly build a super-fast charging network in China, the companies said on Sunday.

What Happened: XPeng Inc. and Volkswagen have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a super-fast charging network aimed at expanding charging infrastructure to customers of both companies’ EVs. The over 20,000 charging piles operated by the two companies across 420 cities in China will now be accessible to both players going forward,

“Combining the technological advantages in high-power liquid-cooled super-fast charging as well as the broad and complementary coverage of both parties in China, customers of both parties will have the opportunity to enjoy the superior fast charging experience across China,” XPeng said in a statement.

There is also a possibility of building co-branded charging stations in the country, it said.

Why It Matters: XPeng and Volkswagen entered into a partnership in 2023 with the German carmaker picking up a 4.99% stake in the Chinese EV startup. They then said that they plan to jointly launch two Volkswagen-branded EV models by 2026 based on a platform from XPeng.

In November, XPeng also revealed its extended-range hybrid technology aimed at regions around the globe where charging infrastructure is weak.

The system, called Kunpeng Super Electric System, will enable a car to drive over 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) with the help of both a battery and a combustion engine, allowing drivers to charge merely a few times a week, XPeng founder He Xiaopeng said at the company's AI Day event in Guangzhou.

XPeng did not reveal which vehicles the technology will be deployed into or when.

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