China-based automaker Li Auto will soon launch the sales of its next production vehicle, a completely electric luxury minivan called Mega. It will support 800V charging architecture and next-gen CATL batteries capable of recharging within mere minutes. The starting price is expected to exceed 500,000 CNY.
Judging by the only photo available so far, the MPV will offer three seat rows with separate seats in the second row, many displays all around, state-of-the-art multimedia technology and two glass panels in the roof.
According to the manufacturer, the vehicle will be the first EV on the market to take advantage of innovative CATL batteries. A 5C-standard charging station will replenish enough energy for 400 km (248 miles) of driving in 9 minutes 30 seconds, while parking for 22 minutes will get you 600 km (372 miles). If confirmed, these numbers may indeed make the minivan one of the world’s fastest-charging EVs.
In addition to the above, the company announced an expansion of its charging network. Li Auto hopes that the number of stations will exceed 3,000 in the new few years and cover up to 90% of all highways across China. The distance between the stations should not exceed 100 km (62 miles). At least some of the outlets will employ charging robots that will be able to locate the charging port of the EE automatically and connect the charger.