Ionity to roll out ‘megawatt’ charge points capable of 200-mile recharges in 8 minutes

Charging network Ionity is planning to roll out new “megawatt” chargers, capable of delivering a 200-mile recharge to compatible cars in around 8 minutes.

Ionity is becoming the first charge point operator to procure the latest HYC1000 chargers from Alpitronic, which can deliver power to a single vehicle at 600kW – almost twice the speed of the fastest chargers in use today.

The Alpitronic megawatt charging system has a central power cabinet that distributes power to up to four dispensers, each equipped with two charge points. This allows for the simultaneous charging of up to eight electric vehicles, with dynamic power allocation per charge point – or a single vehicle charging at up to 600 kW. 

The Alpitronic HYC1000 chargers were launched in February. Ionity plans to roll out these chargers across its network in the second half of 2025, starting in May with a test site near Munich, where Ionity will evaluate how fast the chargers can operate. Ionity says its goal is to offer users even shorter charging times and maximum efficiency. 

“By integrating the HYC1000 chargers, we’re giving our customers access to some of the fastest and most advanced charging technology available today,” said Ionity CEO Jeroen van Tilburg. “This integration marks another key milestone in our mission to deliver ultra-fast, convenient charging at scale for EV drivers across Europe.” 

Ionity now has more than 700 charging sites and 4,800 charge points across 24 European countries, with all electricity sourced from 100% renewable sources. Founded in 2017, IONITY is a joint venture between BMW Group, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group and BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure Platform.

Chinese automaker BYD has also announced it was setting up its self-developed “megawatt” chargers in China and said it makes the technology available to European charge point operators as compatible cars become available.