Volkswagen, in partnership with the Chinese manufacturer Xpeng, is committing to a major project to develop the charging infrastructure for electric cars in China. The two companies plan to deploy more than **20,000 ultra-fast charging stations** across 420 Chinese cities, marking a crucial step in their strategic collaboration.
### A strengthened partnership to overcome challenges
Facing difficulties in the Chinese market, Volkswagen, like other European manufacturers, is looking to accelerate its transition to electric. In 2023, the German giant acquired a **4.99%** stake in Xpeng, paving the way for in-depth technical collaboration.
This collaboration is embodied in the **“Project Houses,”** development centers located in Guangzhou and Hefei, where engineers from both companies work together to develop a new electric and electronic architecture (E/E). The goal: to design new electric models in just **24 months**, an ambitious timeline.
### An ultra-fast charging network
The latest aspect of this alliance consists of building one of the largest and most efficient charging networks in China. The stations, which will bear the Volkswagen and Xpeng brands, will include co-branded stations and integrate advanced technologies.
Notably, Xpeng has already introduced **800 kW** charging stations, capable of adding the equivalent of one kilometer of range in just one second, illustrating the technological scope of the project.
### Volkswagen and Xpeng: a winning dynamic
This partnership offers Volkswagen a unique opportunity to catch up in terms of platforms and software dedicated to electric vehicles. For Xpeng, this collaboration with one of the global leaders in the automotive industry strengthens its foothold in the Chinese and international markets.
This promising project illustrates the importance of strategic alliances to meet the challenges of the energy transition and respond to the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.