BYD Unveils Ultra-Fast Charging Technology, Promising a Major Infrastructure Push
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced new fast-charging technology that promises to significantly reduce charging times for its vehicles. The company claims its new “Super e-Platform” technology can add 400km (249 miles) of range in just five minutes, effectively doubling the speed of Tesla’s fastest Superchargers.
In addition to the technological advancements, BYD has committed to building over 4,000 ultra-fast chargers across China to support the new technology. This move addresses a key concern for EV owners: the time it takes to charge their vehicles. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu emphasized this point at a Shenzhen launch event.
“In order to completely solve our users’ charging anxiety, we have been pursuing a goal to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of petrol vehicles,” Wang stated. “This is the first time in the industry that the unit of megawatt has been achieved on charging power.”
The new charging technology will initially be available in two new BYD models: the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV. These vehicles will start at a price of 270,000 yuan (approximately $37,330).
BYD’s investment in charging infrastructure is particularly noteworthy. Reuters reports that many BYD owners in China currently rely on chargers from other manufacturers. This suggests that BYD’s move to build its own fast-charging network directly addresses a gap in the market and could significantly improve the ownership experience for BYD customers.
This announcement is just the latest in a series of moves positioning BYD as a major player in the EV market. In 2024, BYD sold 1.76 million cars, closely trailing Tesla’s 1.79 million. However, it’s important to note that about 90% of BYD’s sales were in China, and were primarily hybrid vehicles. Earlier this month, the company also launched a roof-mounted drone launcher, developed in collaboration with DJI, adding another innovative feature to its vehicles.
