Fast charging and power boosting lithium-ion batteries

Charging systems and methods are provided, which increase charging currents and reduce charging durations for battery cells with metalloid-based anodes that enable high C-rate (charging rate) charging. Specifically, methods comprise charging battery cells having metalloid-based anodes having Si, Ge and/or Sn-based anode active material, by providing a high-C charging current of at least 4 C (or 5 C, or 10 C or more) over a range of at least 10-70% SoC (state of charge) of the battery cells. Charging systems comprise a booster unit configured to provide a high-C charging current over at least most of the SoC range of battery cells having metalloid-based anodes in the at least one battery unit. Charging systems further comprise a user interface configured to receive user preferences concerning a specified charging duration and/or a specified target SoC-for implementation by the charging system.