BYD’s 5-Minute Fast-Charging System: A Game Changer for Electric Vehicles?
China-based automotive company BYD is making waves with its latest technological advancement: a battery system capable of charging an electric car in a mere five minutes. This development could potentially revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry, addressing a key concern for potential EV buyers: charging time.
BYD’s new battery system, dubbed the “Super e-platform,” claims to add one mile of range per second of charging. This means a five-minute charge could add approximately 250 miles (400 km) of range, rivaling the speed of refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle. With refueling times considered the primary obstacle to wider EV adoption, this development could become a turning point.
BYD plans to roll out its new 1-megawatt flash chargers in China initially, with a network of 4,000 new fast-charging stations planned across the country.
BYD’s fast-charging technology boasts speeds more than double that of current EV market leaders like Tesla. For context, Tesla’s Superchargers can add roughly 170 miles (273.5 km) of range in 15 minutes. In the US, many fast chargers operate between 200-350 kW, amplifying BYD’s impressive advancement.
BYD stated on its Weibo page, “BYD officially releases flash charging battery with ultra-high voltage of 1000V, ultra-large current of 1000A, and ultra-large power of 1000kW, achieving global mass production of megawatt flash charging with the highest peak charging speed of 1 second and [1.2 miles], completely solving users’ charging anxiety when traveling.”
Given that China is a crucial market for Tesla, BYD’s technological progress could cause Tesla to feel the pressure. Tesla has already started offering free trials of its autonomous driving system to try to regain market dominance, after registering a 49% sales drop in China in February. In comparison, BYD experienced a 161% surge in sales.
Other automakers are also making strides. Mercedes-Benz announced its new CLA coupe would add up to 200 miles (321.8 km) of range in 10 minutes. Additionally, Chinese companies Zeekr and CATL debuted batteries last year that could nearly fully charge in 10 minutes, proving that significant advancements are on the horizon.
However, concerns exist about the long-term effects of fast charging on battery lifespan, despite a lack of conclusive data to back up these claims.
BYD’s new Han and Tang L EVs, with a price range between 270,000 and 360,000 Yuan (approximately $37,300 to $49,800), will be the first models to incorporate this new battery technology. While the initial rollout will focus on China, expansion plans to other countries are yet to be announced.
While the infrastructure to support fast charging is still developing, mirroring the gradual build-out of the traditional gas-powered vehicle infrastructure, BYD’s Super E-Platform launch marks a significant moment for the EV industry.
Your move, Tesla.
