BYD Revolutionizes EV Charging with Ultra-Fast Technology
Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled a new generation of electric vehicles (EVs) featuring ultra-fast charging capabilities. The company claims these new vehicles can charge almost as quickly as it takes to refuel a gasoline-powered car. The announcement signals a major strategic shift in the competitive EV landscape and poses a significant challenge to existing players such as Tesla.
The news created a surge in investor confidence. On Tuesday in Hong Kong, BYD’s stock saw an increase of up to 6 percent at the start of trading. This surge pushed their market value to nearly $162 billion (about $254 billion), surpassing the combined values of Ford Motor, General Motors, and Volkswagen.
BYD Chairman and founder Wang Chuanfu announced the new battery and charging system can provide approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles) of range in just five minutes, based on tests conducted on the new Han L sedan. The manufacturer plans to begin selling vehicles equipped with this innovative technology next month.
Being able to charge an EV in the time it takes to stop at a gas station could be a game-changer, persuading drivers hesitant about the longer charging times associated with current EV technology. “We believe this is another sign that BYD is undergoing a strategic shift,” wrote Macquarie Capital analysts, including Eugene Hsiao, head of China autos, in a note. “Rather than competing on price, vehicle design, or entering new product niches, BYD appears to be looking for ways to leverage its scale and core EV technologies to differentiate in a highly competitive market.”
They added, “By directly addressing one of the key hurdles to BEV adoption (charging speed), the company is offering customers a clearer path to switch from ICEs to EVs.”
This advanced platform, which will be utilized in future electric vehicles, could further boost BYD’s position. The company has quickly become a top EV seller, rivaling even Tesla. In February, Tesla’s shipments in China dropped 49 percent from the previous year, falling to just 30,688 vehicles, the lowest monthly figure since July 2022. These advances cement BYD’s place in the market, outpacing competitors.
BYD is also making sizable investments in charging infrastructure to support its new technology. The company plans to build over 4,000 charging stations specifically designed for the new EVs across China. Though a precise timetable or cost hasn’t been unveiled, the company initiated a share sale earlier this month, raising about $US5.6 billion ($8.8 billion).
BYD’s charging speeds are expected to surpass Tesla’s Superchargers, which can add up to 275 kilometers (170 miles) of range in 15 minutes. However, Tesla has a significant advantage with a vast network of over 65,000 Superchargers globally. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Group’s new entry-level CLA electric sedan, introduced last week, can add 325 kilometers (202 miles) of range in just 10 minutes of charging.
At an event held at the carmaker’s headquarters in Shenzhen, Wang announced that BYD’s new EV platform will permit cars to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in only 2 seconds. The Han L and the Tang L sport utility vehicle will be the first models to benefit from ultra-fast charging. The Han L is priced at 270,000 yuan ($58,593), while the Tang L is priced at 280,000 yuan, respectively, and will be on sale starting in April. “Elevating the game to another dimension” is how Lei Xing, an independent China auto analyst, described BYD’s strategy.
BYD has had an impressive start to 2025. The company, which exclusively produces hybrid and fully electric cars, delivered over 318,000 passenger vehicles last month, marking a 161 percent increase year-over-year. It is the top carmaker in China, the world’s largest auto market, with a market share nearing 15 percent.
Joanna Chen, a China autos analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, noted that an advanced EV powertrain could further increase demand for BYD’s next-generation cars. “This could mark the beginning of a new wave of model rollouts, propelling BYD’s battery-electric vehicle sales to catch up with hybrids after they fell behind in 2024,” she explained.
BYD is also becoming a leader in advanced driver-assistance technology. Earlier this year, the company announced its intention to make features like lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control standard in some of its more affordable models. In addition, BYD’s Super e-Platform may provide a competitive threat to Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world’s largest producer of EV batteries. For instance, Li Auto is using one of CATL’s most recent battery models to allow a charging time that adds 500 kilometers (310 miles) of range in 12 minutes.
