BYD Announces Ultra-Fast Charging Technology
BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has revealed a new charging system that could dramatically change the landscape of EV ownership. The innovative technology promises to charge an electric vehicle for a range of 300 miles (470 kilometers) in a mere five minutes, effectively mirroring the refueling time for gasoline-powered cars.
Using a cutting-edge network of ultra-fast charging devices, BYD’s new system claims to deliver energy at speeds of 1,000 kW (1 megawatt). This charging rate nearly doubles the 500 kW capabilities of Tesla’s Superchargers.
According to BYD, during testing, the battery maintained high levels of power throughout the charging process, reaching up to 600 kW even when the battery was at a 90% state of charge.
This announcement has already had a positive impact on the market. Shares in BYD, the Chinese EV giant, surged to a new high following the news about the “flash charging” technology. Although the exact capacity and weight of the new battery have not yet been disclosed, the manufacturer states the technology has achieved a 10C charging multiplier.
Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s founder, expressed his enthusiasm about the potential of this innovation, stating that the technology could “fundamentally solve users’ charging anxiety.” He added that the company’s goal is “to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refueling time of fuel vehicles.”
Wider Market Implications
BYD was the second-largest producer of battery electric vehicles globally in 2024, narrowly trailing behind Tesla. However, the company’s sales are also bolstered by its plug-in hybrid models. Before starting car manufacturing in 2003, Wang, often compared to Elon Musk, built up a strong foundation for the company as a battery maker from 1995.
To facilitate the rollout of this technology, BYD plans to construct over 4,000 supercharging stations across China. This initiative follows the recent announcement of 11 new motor vehicles scheduled for release in 2026 by two car manufacturers. Those companies, Volkswagen and Jetta, intend to develop these vehicles exclusively for the Chinese market. Six of those cars will be EVs and two will be plug-in hybrids. The remainder will consist of two extended-range models and one gasoline motor with the Jetta-branded EV model expected to launch in 2026.
Volkswagen has faced a 9.5% sales slump in China, partially due to increased competition and economic headwinds affecting consumer spending.
China has long been a leader in the EV market, and some experts believe this is the result of car manufacturers rapidly producing affordable vehicles. “Chinese brands are super competitive. For example, you can already pick up a new MG5 today for under £20,000 by shopping around,” one car expert told The Telegraph. “Where will they be in three years’ time? VW really has its work cut out.”
Meanwhile, the UK government has already leased hundreds of Chinese electric vehicles to meet specific Net Zero targets. Moreover, thousands more have been ordered as part of the plan to upgrade its fleet of around 12,000 civilian vehicles within the next two years.
