Nyobolt EV: Meet the game-changing EV that charges fully in 6 minutes

The Nyobolt EV is revolutionising electric charging

Range anxiety and lengthy charging times continue to be major barriers for many considering the switch to electric. But what if you could recharge your car almost as quickly as filling up with petrol?

Cambridge-based Nyobolt is turning this electric dream into reality with battery technology that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in under five minutes – all while promising exceptional durability that could outlast the vehicle itself.

The British startup has successfully moved its groundbreaking technology from laboratory testing to real-world demonstration, potentially solving one of the biggest hurdles in EV adoption.

After promising a six-minute full charge with its concept vehicle in 2023, Nyobolt has now validated even faster charging times with its working prototype, delivering 120 miles of range in just four minutes of charging.

And unlike many promising battery innovations that remain years from production, Nyobolt claims its technology could be powering production vehicles within the next 12 months.

Ultra-fast charging technology now road-tested

Just 12 months after revealing its initial concept, the Nyobolt EV prototype, engineered in collaboration with CALLUM, has completed its first live track demonstrations with remarkable results.

Initial testing using powerful 350kW (800V) DC fast chargers confirmed the Nyobolt EV's 50Ah 35kWh battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just four minutes and 37 seconds – twice the speed of today's fastest-charging vehicles. The first four minutes of charging at a constant current of 500A provides approximately 120 miles of range.

But compare this to other EVs? Well, it’s quite a difference.

Dr Sai Shivareddy, Nyobolt's co-founder and CEO, explains that many OEMs advertise those fast charge times of around 15 minutes. But these typically only apply to a limited portion of the charge cycle (often 20-80%), specifically chosen to minimise battery degradation.

Not only this, but most EVs can only maintain peak charge levels for a short period during the charging process.

Exceptional battery longevity

What truly sets Nyobolt's technology apart is its durability.

Independent testing by a leading global OEM has confirmed that Nyobolt's 24.5Ah cells have successfully completed over 4,000 full Depth of Discharge fast charge cycles while still retaining over 80 percent battery capacity.

This equates to over 600,000 miles of use in the Nyobolt EV prototype – significantly exceeding the warranty periods of much larger EV batteries currently on the market.

The catch: Smaller battery, shorter range

While the charging speed is groundbreaking, there's an important caveat – the Nyobolt EV's battery is just 35kWh, comparable to the first-generation MINI Electric. This provides a WLTP range of 155 miles on a full charge, meaning the touted 10-80 percent charge equates to roughly 124 miles.

For comparison, a Porsche Taycan Turbo with its 97kWh battery takes approximately 18 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent, providing around 275 miles of range.

Lightweight and agile: Bringing fun to electric driving

It's no accident that the Nyobolt EV is a sports car weighing just 1,250kg. The compact battery pack allows for a more energy-efficient electric vehicle that's cheaper to buy and run, while using fewer resources to manufacture.

Shane Davies, Nyobolt's director of vehicle battery systems, believes they can help OEMs bring excitement back to the automotive segment, which he feels has been weighed down by legacy battery technology.

The Nyobolt EV demonstrates how fast-charging, longer-life battery technology allows for right-sized capacity while still delivering the required performance.

From the track to your driveway

While the primary purpose of the Nyobolt EV is showcasing and testing battery technology, CALLUM's team has engineered it so that low-volume production – for road or track use – is possible.

Nyobolt's battery assembly plans are more advanced and could be in production at low volume within a year, ramping up to 1,000 packs in 2025. The company's flexible manufacturing model could eventually enable volumes of up to two million cells per year.

Retrofitting potential for existing EVs

The Nyobolt EV's architecture also highlights how this technology could be retrofitted to existing EV platforms, bringing a step change in charge time and battery cycling life.

The battery's unique low impedance cell chemistry means limited heat generation – no more than 60°C during a fast charge or performance drive – making thermal management more straightforward.

The design heritage

The Nyobolt EV's design traces back to renowned designer Julian Thomson, who revisited his work on the Lotus Elise. Thomson exaggerated the Elise's proportions while maintaining its aggressive, nose-down attitude, creating a distinctive electric sports car.

CALLUM Design – whose founding member Ian Callum CBE worked on iconic vehicles like the Aston Martin Vanquish and Jaguar I-PACE – developed Thomson's vision to showcase Nyobolt's revolutionary battery technology.

Industry impact and future applications

Nyobolt is already in discussions with eight vehicle OEMs about adopting its technology. Beyond automotive applications, the fast-charging technology is set to be deployed this year in robotics, with applications in heavy-duty commercial vehicles also advancing.

Dr Shivareddy states that their extensive research in the UK and US has unlocked a novel battery technology that's ready and scalable now, enabling the electrification of products and services previously considered unviable or impossible.

How does this compare to current market leaders?

Currently, the fastest-charging electric vehicles like the Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Genesis GV70, and Porsche Taycan can go from 10-80% in approximately 18 minutes when connected to a 350kW charger.

Tesla vehicles can add about 172 miles of range in 15 minutes at a Supercharger. Nyobolt's technology, delivering 120 miles in just four minutes, represents a significant leap forward in charging capability.