BYD Unveils Game-Changing Battery Technology, Challenging Tesla’s Dominance
Chinese automaker BYD has introduced a new battery system that could revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market. The company claims its new technology can fully charge an EV in just five minutes, a feat that would bring charging times in line with fueling a gasoline car. This advancement could give BYD a significant edge over competitors, including Tesla.
The new battery system, which the company says will provide the Han L sedan with 249 miles of range in a five-minute charge, addresses a key barrier to EV adoption. Industry experts have long sought to resolve the issue of lengthy charging times, which often deter potential buyers. For comparison, Tesla’s fastest charging rate currently adds 170 miles of range in 15 minutes using its high-voltage Superchargers.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, once focused on in-house battery development. However, the 4860 battery has reportedly fallen short of expectations, suggesting that the development of cutting-edge battery technology is more complex than anticipated. News of BYD’s innovation has pushed the company’s stock up, boosting its market value to approximately $158 billion and a year-to-date increase of approximately 58%.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of fast charging on battery lifespan, although there is little evidence to support that at this time. Additionally, the strain on electrical grids posed by faster charging is another matter to consider. Last year, the CEO of major Chinese battery maker CATL criticized Musk, stating that he “doesn’t know how to make a battery.”
Founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturer before expanding into the automotive market, BYD has become China’s leading EV maker. The company’s affordable Seagull model starts at just $9,700. BYD is now expanding into markets such as Europe and South America, which bolsters China’s soft power through job creation and profitability outside of China.
This development occurs as Elon Musk is seeking to hinder U.S. automotive companies by opposing industry subsidies. Critics of China claim it utilizes subsidies to dominate foreign markets with affordable products, but BYD is currently profitable. The transition to EVs has proven more difficult than previously thought because of slow infrastructure expansion along with frequently non-functional or sluggish chargers.
Fast-charging capabilities could greatly appeal to drivers who are unwilling to spend a lengthy period at charging stations. Adding to its advantages, BYD recently announced that it will integrate advanced self-driving features into all of its vehicles. Reviewers have praised BYD’s system for its overall performance. All of these factors suggest that Tesla’s current valuation might be unrealistic.
Tesla’s stock has declined by 40% since 2025, partly due to the adverse reaction to Musk’s ties to the Trump administration. As of Tuesday, Ross Gerber, a long-time Tesla investor, called on Musk to resign as CEO.
It seems that Musk’s focus is primarily on his relationship with President Trump to the detriment of Tesla, which once led the EV market but now lags behind BYD.
