1 megawatt of charging power, what does it change?

After setting 25 track records, the AMG GT XX concept car now shines at the charging station.

For the first time, a car has crossed the symbolic threshold of one megawatt, with a charging power of 1,041 kW via a single liquid-cooled CCS cable. What does this mean for electromobility in practical terms?

Reaching one megawatt in just 0.5 seconds and then maintaining it for two and a half minutes is not just a technical achievement: it promises ultra-fast charging for the future. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX transferred 17.3 kWh in one minute, equivalent to 125 kilometers of WLTP range. In everyday language, this means that charging an electric car could soon approach the time needed for a conventional fuel fill-up, transforming the user experience.

This feat relies on a high-performance battery inspired by Formula 1, composed of 3,000 cylindrical NCMA cells with direct oil cooling. This system ensures that the battery can handle extreme powers without overheating, while maintaining a high energy density of over 300 Wh/kg. The 800-volt voltage and smart thermal management reduce stress on wiring and optimize performance even under heavy use.

And where do we charge?

But the car alone is not enough. The record is made possible by a revolutionary charging infrastructure developed with Alpitronic. The MCS station, initially designed for trucks, has been adapted for the CCS cable, capable of safely transmitting over 1,000 amperes. This marriage between vehicle and infrastructure illustrates the importance of thinking of charging as a holistic system.

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Energy

• 06/10/2025 10:38

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Mercedes-Benz plans to put these innovations into practice by 2026, with high-performance charging stations in its European and North American parks. Beyond the impressive figure, this milestone marks a revolution in the daily life of electromobility: less waiting, more flexibility, and above all, a giant leap towards increasingly high-performing electric vehicles.

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