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A new era for EV fast charging
There was always the expectation that electric vehicle charging would one day be fast enough to rival a quick pit stop. Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG have just taken a major step in that direction. After dramatic test runs with the Concept AMG GT XX, the German brand announced it will deploy a new, high-power charging solution inspired by that demo—capable of dramatically reducing charge time and adding up to 202 miles (325 km) of WLTP range in ten minutes for a Mercedes‑E‑model.
Historic megawatt demo and what it proved
The Concept AMG GT XX set numerous track records and then made headlines for achieving more than one megawatt of charging power using a single liquid‑cooled CCS cable. The prototype reached the megawatt threshold just 0.5 seconds after starting and sustained peak power of 1,041 kW with currents up to 1,176 A for roughly two and a half minutes. In practical terms, that equates to about 17.3 kWh added per minute—roughly 78 miles (125 km) WLTP in a single minute—showing what next‑generation EV charging could deliver.
What is HYC1000? Technology and architecture
Modular, high‑power architecture
Mercedes will roll out an Alpitronic‑based solution named HYC1000 at selected Mercedes‑Benz charging parks in Europe and North America starting in 2026. Unlike conventional chargers that house the power unit inside each column (typically limiting a column to one or two charging points), the HYC1000 uses an external, modular power unit. That external unit can deliver up to 1,000 kW at 800 A and intelligently distribute power across multiple charging points, with each point capable of supplying up to 600 kW at 800 V.
Compatibility and cables
Mercedes and Alpitronic are also working to make commercial versions compatible with both CCS and NACS in North America, expanding usability across brands and vehicle platforms.
Vehicle specs, battery and performance implications
The record‑setting AMG concept used a bespoke high‑voltage battery with around 3,000 tall, slim cylindrical cells and NCMA chemistry (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) at an energy density near 300 Wh/kg. While Mercedes hasn’t disclosed total capacity, this cell architecture and active cooling enabled extreme charge rates. For production vehicles—Mercedes‑AMG has hinted a four‑door performance model is coming—this kind of battery design would be required to safely accept ultrafast, high‑current charging without overheating.
Market positioning and competition
Mercedes positions HYC1000 as a premium fast‑charging network asset that will serve customers of all brands. The company already operates 80 charging hubs globally and aims to expand to 10,000 fast‑charging points by the end of the decade. Compared with current public DC fast chargers, HYC1000’s modular power scaling and multi‑point distribution offer superior throughput and flexibility—important advantages for highway hubs and high‑traffic locations.
Comparisons and outlook
Compared with leading 350 kW chargers today, HYC1000 targets much higher peak power and faster top‑up times. Mercedes claims a standard EV like an electric CLA can gain 202 miles (325 km) in ten minutes at 600 kW; the prototype Alpitronic unit used in AMG testing could theoretically add about 249 miles (400 km) in five minutes when paired with a vehicle and battery designed for megawatt charging. Broad adoption will depend on vehicle battery design, grid infrastructure, and standardized cable compatibility, but the HYC1000 architecture is a clear advance toward practical ultrafast charging.
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