Will EVs Charge in 60 Seconds Within the Decade?
Scientists are racing to develop ultrafast EV charging that could power a car in 60 seconds. Is it possible—or just a futuristic fantasy?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining ground, but one major hurdle remains: charging time. While gas cars can refuel in minutes, EVs often take 30 minutes or more for a decent charge—even with fast chargers. That’s where ultrafast EV charging comes in. Imagine plugging in your car and hitting full charge in under a minute. Sounds wild, right? But researchers say it might not be that far off.
In fact, multiple startups and university labs are already working on battery breakthroughs that could slash charge times dramatically. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s a game-changer that could speed up EV adoption worldwide.
How 60-Second Charging Might Work
One promising route to ultrafast EV charging is supercapacitor-based batteries. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that store energy chemically, supercapacitors store it physically, allowing for rapid charge and discharge. The trade-off? They usually hold less energy. But some companies, like Urban Electric and StoreDot, are blending supercapacitor tech with lithium-ion chemistry to get the best of both worlds.
Researchers are also exploring new materials like graphene and solid-state electrolytes. These can handle higher energy loads and are less prone to overheating—one of the big dangers when charging quickly. If perfected, these technologies could allow EVs to charge in seconds, not hours.
The Catch: Infrastructure and Safety
Even if ultrafast EV charging tech becomes viable, we’re not out of the woods. Most existing chargers can’t deliver the insane power needed for a 60-second boost. We’d need a total overhaul of public charging infrastructure—and home garages aren’t ready either. Power grids would have to be upgraded to handle those intense surges.
Safety is another concern. Moving large amounts of electricity in a short time creates serious thermal and electrical risks. That means new cooling systems, better insulation, and smarter charging protocols would be essential before this becomes widespread.
So, Will It Really Happen in the Next 10 Years?
Experts say ultrafast EV charging is technically possible within the next decade—but don’t expect it in every driveway. You’re more likely to see it roll out first at fleet charging stations or commercial hubs where speed is critical. From there, as tech matures and infrastructure evolves, it could trickle down to everyday users.
Bottom line: a 60-second charge isn’t science fiction anymore. But it’ll take a mix of innovation, investment, and policy changes to make it a practical reality. Until then, charging your EV might still take time—but maybe not for long.
