Moroccan scientist Rachid Yazami, a renowned electrochemist, has developed a groundbreaking battery technology that can charge from 10% to 70% in just 3.7 minutes. Yazami, who founded KVI, a Singapore-based company, announced the results of a recent test on Thursday. The technology utilizes a proprietary Non-Linear Voltammetry (NLV) approach to charge an individual lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of faster electric vehicle charging.
KVI's NLV technology differs from conventional charging systems, which primarily regulate the electrical current supplied to a battery. Instead, the new technology uses a stepwise, voltage-controlled approach, allowing the current to respond to changes in the battery's electrochemical characteristics during charging. Yazami explained that the challenge lies not in pushing more electricity into a battery in less time, but rather in understanding how batteries respond during charging to deliver energy more effectively.
The voltage profile produced by NLV is a unique fingerprint that reflects the battery's response throughout the charging process. According to KVI, the technology can work with different lithium-ion chemistries, capacities, and formats, making it a versatile solution for various applications, including mobile phones, power tools, and electric vehicles. The company's research has also demonstrated potential improvements in battery lifespan, a critical factor in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Beyond charging speed, KVI's technology incorporates patented diagnostic capabilities to monitor battery health and detect early signs of internal short circuits. This feature enhances the safety and reliability of the charging process. Electro Mobility Holding Singapore is preparing to commercialize the technology through NLV-controlled charging systems, with electric vehicles among its priority markets.
The company plans to expand its research and development activities in Singapore as part of a broader international initiative covering battery technology, charging infrastructure, and electric mobility. KVI's technology could also serve electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs, by reducing charging times between flights. On October 28, Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive signed a memorandum of understanding with KVI to explore the application of the technology in electric aircraft.
The announcement comes as competition over faster electric vehicle charging intensifies. Chinese automaker BYD announced in March 2026 that its second-generation Blade Battery and FLASH Charging system could charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and reach 97% in nine minutes. Global electric vehicle sales exceeded 20 million in 2025, according to figures cited by KVI, which expects the number to reach 23 million in 2026.
Yazami previously discussed plans to transfer KVI's battery expertise to Morocco under a proposed KVI Maroc initiative, according to a 2021 report. Meanwhile, Morocco has advanced its own LFP battery storage projects, including OCP Green Energy's large-scale installation in Benguerir, which uses technology supplied by Envision. The development of rapid battery charging technology is expected to play a crucial role in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and other sustainable energy solutions.
Key points
- KVI's NLV technology achieves 10-70% battery charge in 3.7 minutes.
- The technology can work with different lithium-ion chemistries, capacities, and formats.
- KVI plans to commercialize the technology through NLV-controlled charging systems, with electric vehicles among its priority markets.
