Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
BMW and Porsche did demonstrate an ultrafast EV charger—but “nobody can use it” is only partly true. The 450-kW FastCharge prototype was announced as compatible with European CCS cars; the catch was that almost no production EV in 2018 could accept anything close to its maximum output. The headline number described the station’s capacity, not the speed every plugged-in car would receive.
What BMW and Porsche actually demonstrated
The charger was part of FastCharge, a BMW-led research consortium that also included Porsche, Allego, Phoenix Contact E-Mobility and Siemens. The project began in July 2016 and received €7.8 million in German federal funding. On December 12, 2018, the consortium unveiled its prototype at Jettingen-Scheppach in Bavaria, near the A8 between Ulm and Augsburg.
The station was rated for up to 450 kW. This was an engineering demonstrator, not a consumer charger model or a promise of a widely deployed public network. BMW described an installation with a charging container and two connections: one rated up to 450 kW and another up to 175 kW. BMW’s project announcement and Porsche’s account of the demonstration describe the results.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
450 kW is the charger’s ceiling, not every car’s charging speed
Kilowatts measure power: how quickly energy is being transferred at a particular moment. The station’s 450-kW rating was its maximum available output, not a rate it would force into any vehicle. A car draws only what its battery and charging system can safely accept.
#1 Best Overall
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations.
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations.
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable.
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and requires a 20A or 80A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter.
That limit changes with the vehicle’s battery voltage and design, its software, battery temperature and state of charge, as well as the cable and station’s own limits. Charging power commonly falls as a battery fills, which is why a short-lived peak does not describe the whole session.
Power is the product of voltage and current. Raising either can increase charging power, but very high current creates heat and places demands on cables, connectors and cooling. FastCharge’s earlier technical material discussed a system target around 900 volts and 500 amperes—a sign of the challenges involved across both vehicle and infrastructure, not a specification for every car. BMW’s 2017 FastCharge material explains that technical context.
Rank #2
- [Up to 9x Faster Charging Speed]: Provides up to 46 miles/hour charging speed via hardwired connection (48 amp - up to 9x faster than a standard wall outlet) or up to 38 miles/hour via the NEMA 14-50 plug (40 amp). Professional installation recommended for optimal safety and performance. [Install The Power Outlet Cord]: No smaller than 8AWG if charge 40-48A, we suggest 6AWG cord.(1.The input side is belongs to the electrician electric automobile regulation scope, need to use three 6AWG cable wires for 48A; 2.The charging cable belongs to the automotive connector certification standard, so the 8AWG cable can meet the 48A.)
- [DESIGNED WITH J1772 Connector for All North America j1772 Connector EVs/PHEVs. Not fits for Tesla/Nacs Connector Cars(j1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]: Compatible with Tesla cars (Adapter needed, not included), Ford, GM, Audi, Kia, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Gmc, Chevrolet Bolt, VW ID 4, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, IONIQ 5 2024 and before, BMW i3, i4, iX, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, etc. [Not fits for Nac connector cars-Kia EV6 2025/EV9,Ariya 2025&2025 loniq 5(J1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]
- [Safety & Faster Charging with ETL, FCC, Energy Star Certified]: Meets the Safety Criteria Defined by: SAE J1772, UL2231-1/-2, UL 991, UL 2231, UL 2251, UL1998 and UL 2594. (ETL and FCC certified EV car charger with 3-year Warranty)
- [Plug-play Mode(The Default Setting), Smart Touch Screen, No APP Needed]: Clearly show the charging amperage, charging speed, input voltage, delay time, etc. For the touch buttons: 1. Pull out the charging gun before press the buttons, otherwise no respond; 2. Long press "Ⓐ" or "Time" button to enter the setting interface, then you can adjust the amperage from 16A to 48A freely or Set the charging start time; 3. You can do "factory reset" if doesn't charging.
- [Smart WIFI APP, You can Set the Charging Period]: By APP, you can wirelessly check the charging cost, history, fully-charged notification, track the charging status, during off-peak period, etc. [Wi-Fi Reset/Factory Reset Function, Add New Device Quickly]: If you can't find your device or you have replaced a new phone, just pull out the charging latches, simultaneously long press the Ⓐ button and time adjustment button on the product screen until it shows "Factory Reset", then wait 3-5 seconds and re-start your device.
Could ordinary EVs plug in?
According to the manufacturers’ 2018 announcement, compatible vehicles could use the station. It used the European Type 2 version of the Combined Charging System (CCS) and was designed to accommodate 400-volt and 800-volt vehicles, adjusting its output to the vehicle’s permitted charging capacity. The companies said CCS-compatible cars could use it free of charge at the time.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →That does not mean every car could connect, or that a connected car would receive 450 kW. Connector geography matters: European CCS Type 2 is physically different from North American CCS1, so compatibility with this Bavarian prototype should not be assumed for a CCS1 vehicle. Even a compatible European EV would be limited by its own charging capability. The announcement of free access in 2018 also does not establish whether the prototype remains operational or accessible today; its current status has not been verified.
Rank #3
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
| Claim | What the evidence supports |
|---|---|
| “Nobody could plug in.” | Too broad: the station was announced as usable by compatible European CCS vehicles. |
| “Ordinary cars could charge at 450 kW.” | Generally no. The station’s maximum far exceeded what most production cars could accept in 2018. |
| “It was a normal consumer charger.” | No. It was a research prototype built to investigate high-power charging. |
What the Porsche test figures mean
Porsche reported that a research vehicle with an approximately 90-kWh net battery accepted more than 400 kW. Under the test conditions, it could add the first 100 km of range in less than three minutes. That is a specific early-session range claim—not a three-minute full charge, and not a result that can be assumed for a production Porsche or another EV.
BMW also reported that the project’s research vehicles could charge from 10% to 80% in about 15 minutes. That is a partial charge. The 10–80% window is significant because charging typically slows at higher state of charge; peak power is not maintained all the way to full. Neither result should be read as “any EV gets a full battery in 15 minutes.”
Rank #4
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Why a compatible production car still could not use the full rate
A plug that fits is only the first requirement. To accept several hundred kilowatts, a vehicle needs a battery and electrical system designed for the necessary voltage and current, cells able to take that energy without excessive heat, effective liquid cooling, and suitably rated contactors, busbars, fuses and connectors. The battery-management software must also coordinate safely with the charger.
Recommended Free Tools
An 800-volt architecture can make high power possible with less current than a lower-voltage system would need, but it does not guarantee a 450-kW charge. Battery chemistry, temperature, state of charge and vehicle controls still govern the actual rate. The Porsche research car’s reported performance demonstrated what a specially engineered test vehicle could do; it was not a production-car specification.
Best Value
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and plugs into a 240V outlet with a 14-50 receptacle, requiring a 40A or 50A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter
The site was part of the experiment, too
A 450-kW connection is a substantial electrical load. Delivering it calls for more than a roadside pedestal: power conversion, protection equipment, cooling and an adequate grid connection all matter. Where the local grid cannot supply very high power directly, an intermediary battery can store energy more gradually and release it to a vehicle at a higher peak rate. Porsche has described buffer batteries as one way to support rapid charging at grid-constrained sites.
That makes the FastCharge installation useful as an infrastructure test bed. The project examined the interaction among vehicles, cables, cooling, charging equipment and the grid, rather than simply presenting a ready-made commercial network. Siemens’ project overview provides further context on the consortium and its goals.
So was the headline fair?
The charger was real, and “ultrafast” was fair for a station capable of up to 450 kW. Saying nobody could use it is misleading if it means no compatible car could connect. But the practical point behind the headline holds: in 2018, the peak speed was effectively reserved for research vehicles engineered to exploit it, not ordinary production EVs.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe demonstration showed infrastructure reaching toward future vehicles. It did not mean a typical driver could expect a 450-kW charge, a three-minute refill, or a 15-minute full battery—and the original announcement is not evidence that this prototype is available to drivers in 2026.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
