Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has unveiled an ultra-fast charging system that can fully charge its latest EVs in just five to eight minutes, comparable to the time it takes to refuel a gasoline car. The company’s ‘Super e-Platform’ technology boasts peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts, significantly reducing range anxiety for EV users.
Key Features of BYD’s Ultra-Fast Charging System
BYD’s flash chargers are designed to provide a full charge in under 10 minutes, with the capability to supply power for 400 kilometers in just five minutes. This advancement is made possible by the company’s proprietary silicon carbide power chips with voltage levels of up to 1,500V and its Blade lithium-ion phosphate battery, considered one of the world’s safest and most efficient EV batteries.
Industry Context and Market Impact
The development comes as Chinese drivers have increasingly embraced EVs, with sales of battery-powered and hybrid vehicles surging 40% last year. BYD, China’s largest EV maker and a Tesla rival, has been refining its battery and energy storage technology while expanding its auto empire beyond China. The company produced over 4.3 million ‘new energy vehicles’ last year, including 1.8 million battery electric vehicles and 2.5 million plug-in hybrids.
Addressing Range Anxiety and Quality Concerns
BYD’s founder, Wang Chuanfu, emphasized the company’s pursuit to make EV charging as quick as refueling gasoline cars. While the company has made significant strides, industry analyst Michael Dunne noted that BYD still faces challenges, citing JD Power’s 2024 China New Energy Vehicle Initial Quality Study, which ranked some BYD models at the bottom.
Despite these challenges, BYD remains competitive in the global EV market, having narrowly surpassed Tesla in battery-powered EV production in 2024. The company’s shares have surged nearly 50% in the past six months, reflecting its growing influence in the industry.
