Charging operator Ionity has activated its first megawatt charging systems in Europe. The new chargers can add 186 miles of range in just eight minutes.
The pan-European network announced it had powered up 12 HYC1000 chargers from Alpitronic at two locations in France. The deployment marks the company’s push to prepare its network for future EV technology.
Megawatt chargers already exist in Europe and the UK – but they’ve focused on electric trucks and commercial vehicles.
The Ionity installations sit at standard highway locations where regular drivers can access them. They’re designed to support the next wave of ultra-fast-charging passenger EVs.
First Installations Target Key Routes
The two French sites each feature six chargers. One sits at Maison-Dieu in eastern France, while the other operates in Sorgues on the A7 Autoroute du Soleil – the main highway connecting Lyon to Marseille.
Each location delivers 1,000kW total system output. Individual chargers can provide up to 600kW of power. According to Ionity, that’s enough to add 300 kilometers of range in eight minutes.
No passenger cars currently sold in Europe can accept this charging rate.
But they’re coming. The BMW iX3, Mercedes CLA and upcoming Volvo EX60 can charge at 400kW or higher. Later this year, Denza plans to bring its megawatt-capable models to European markets.
Denza’s parent company BYD confirmed earlier this year it would launch its own megawatt charging network in Europe. The company plans 300 devices delivering 1,000kW each across the UK by late 2026.
“With the introduction of the new megawatt charging systems, we are further enhancing the performance of our European charging network,” said Ionity CEO Jeroen van Tilburg.
Van Tilburg noted that charging power for new EVs continues increasing. More models will utilize these power levels in coming years.
“For drivers, this means shorter charging stops and greater freedom on every journey. We are creating an infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but also securely positions Europe for the further expansion of electromobility.”
Germany Location Next
The French sites will soon join Ionity’s first German megawatt location. The Werne site in northwest Germany will feature eight 600kW chargers and become what the company calls “Germany’s fastest charging park.”
Beyond that installation, Ionity plans to deploy the ultra-high-power chargers at additional locations along major European routes.
The rollout represents a significant infrastructure investment ahead of passenger vehicle capability – positioning the charging network for EVs that can actually use the power these systems provide.
