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## Overview Battery makers and EV manufacturers showcased technologies promising sub-10-minute charging times at the Beijing Auto Show, in a race triggered by industry leaders BYD and Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL) (SCMP). Fast-charging technology dominated the show floor at the 10-day event running until May 3. ## Key Developments Second-tier Chinese battery suppliers — including CALB Group, EVE Energy, and Sunwoda — unveiled products capable of boosting power from 10 per cent to 70 per cent in shortened timeframes, directly competing with technology pioneered by BYD and CATL (SCMP). ## Why It Matters Charging speed has emerged as a key competitive battleground in China's EV industry, addressing one of the primary consumer objections to EV adoption — charging time versus traditional refueling. This race has implications for global EV competitiveness, as Chinese battery and EV makers seek to differentiate technologically ahead of European and other export market expansion. It connects to broader themes of Chinese EV export surges, in-house chip development, and the country's push for automotive standards leadership globally. ## What to Watch - Commercial rollout timelines for sub-10-minute charging technology - Competitive responses from BYD and CATL to second-tier suppliers' advances - Charging infrastructure requirements to support ultra-fast charging at scale - Export market reception, particularly in Europe, for fast-charging EV models