Xpeng, Volkswagen to build ultra-fast charging network in China

CHINA’S Xpeng Motors and Volkswagen have agreed to expand their partnership to cooperate on ultra-fast electric vehicle charging networks in China, the automakers said on Monday.

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to open their respective fast-charging networks to each other’s customers, which comprise more than 20,000 charging piles across 420 cities in China, they said in a joint statement.

They will also explore the joint construction of co-branded ultra-fast charging stations.

Xpeng and Volkswagen forged a partnership in 2023, when Volkswagen bought 4.99 per cent of Xpeng for around US$700 million with plans to jointly launch two Volkswagen-branded EV models by 2026.

Volkswagen later said it had developed a new architecture for intelligent and electric cars with Xpeng which the German automaker said would help it offer more affordable EVs in its biggest market. REUTERS