BYD Unveils Super e-Platform, Ushering in a New Era of Electric Vehicle Performance
BYD has taken the wraps off its innovative Super e-Platform, a groundbreaking architecture for electric vehicles (EVs) centered around the latest iteration of its lithium-iron-phosphate Blade battery technology. This new platform signifies a major leap forward, promising charging speeds up to a staggering 1000kW.
The BYD Han and Tang models, the first to utilize the Super e-Platform.
Set to debut in the updated Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, these new models are scheduled for delivery in China later this year. The Super e-Platform also integrates a new generation of high-revving electric motors. In dual-motor configurations, these motors will generate up to 1084bhp, promising exhilarating performance.
The platform’s cutting-edge battery technology is described as a ‘flash-charge’ battery. Although BYD has yet to release the specifics regarding its capacity and weight, the company claims it can achieve a 10C charging multiplier. This translates to a theoretical full charge in a mere six minutes. With a charging voltage of up to 1000V and a maximum current of 1000A, the system can sustain 1MW (megawatt) charging power, surpassing the capabilities of currently available fast-charging EVs.
During testing, the new battery maintained high levels of charging power throughout the charging process, delivering up to 600kW even when at a 90% state of charge. To complement this advanced battery technology, BYD has developed a new 1000kW supercharger. According to BYD, this supercharger will enable the updated Han L and Tang L models to gain up to 249 miles of range in just five minutes under ideal conditions. This capability surpasses even the 500kW peak power offered by Tesla’s latest V4 Supercharger.
To support the rollout of this new battery technology, BYD plans to construct over 4000 supercharging stations across China.
Cutting-Edge Electric Motor Technology
Beyond its charging advancements, the Super e-Platform introduces a new in-house-developed electric motor. BYD claims this motor can operate at up to 30,511rpm. This is the highest speed of any mass-produced electric motor to date, and the first to exceed 30,000rpm in large-scale production.
With a peak output of 778bhp, the motor achieves a power density of 22bhp per kg. It works in tandem with a smaller front electric motor that produces 308bhp. This combination provides four-wheel-drive Han L and Tang L models with a combined 1084bhp. BYD estimates this is sufficient to achieve 0-62mph acceleration times of 2.7 seconds and 3.6 seconds, respectively, and top speeds of 190mph and 178mph. Rear-wheel-drive, single-motor variants will deliver 671bhp.
BYD currently has no plans to introduce the Super e-Platform to its UK market models. The BYD EVs available for sale in the UK, including the Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, and Seal-U, currently utilize the ‘e-Platform 3.0’, which supports batteries up to 82.5kWh, a maximum charging speed of 150kW, and a peak power output of 523bhp.
Supporting the new battery and drivetrain, BYD has also developed a new generation of silicon carbide power microchips designed to handle up to 1500V.
The updated Han L and Tang L SUV models are now available for purchase in China, with starting prices of RMB 270,000 (£29,500) and RMB 280,000 (£30,600), respectively. Both models feature BYD’s ‘God’s Eye B’ smart driving system, which incorporates roof-mounted lidar.
Additionally, BYD has opened reservations for the Han L DM and Tang L DM plug-in hybrid models. These models feature a 536bhp version of its DM-p petrol-electric system and are confirmed for an April launch. Company officials predict the plug-in hybrid models will achieve 0–62mph acceleration times of 3.9 seconds and 4.3 seconds, respectively.
