BYD Unveils Ultra-Fast Charging System, Challenging Tesla’s Dominance
Electric vehicle giant BYD has launched a new charging system in China, intensifying the already heated competition in the world’s largest auto market. The Shenzhen-based automaker’s new “Super E-Platform” claims it can charge its latest models in just five minutes, providing a range of 250 miles. To support this new technology, BYD plans to construct 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China. The technology could revamp the electric car market.
Compared to BYD’s technology, Tesla’s Superchargers take 15 minutes to charge and provide a range of 200 miles.
“Our goal is to make EV charging as fast as refueling a gasoline car,” BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu stated at the launch event. Pre-orders for BYD’s new models, equipped with the charging technology, began Monday, with deliveries scheduled to start next month. BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares surged over 6% on Tuesday, reaching an all-time high.
Meanwhile, Tesla introduced free month-long trials for its long-awaited Full Self-Driving (FSD) service in China. The move followed a software upgrade to the company’s advanced driver assistance system that underwhelmed customers. According to Reuters, Tesla is collaborating with Chinese tech giant Baidu to improve its performance.
Tesla plans to fully roll out FSD in China this year; however, strict data laws have hindered the company from using data from its 2 million EVs for training. Last year, Tesla experienced its first decline in annual global deliveries and faces intensifying challenges in China, where its features are behind those of competitor BYD. BYD’s new charging technology demonstrates that it is outpacing Tesla in both innovation and price.
Tesla’s January sales in China fell over 19% compared to the previous year, placing it fourth in the market behind BYD, Geely, and SGMW. In 2024, BYD secured a 32% share of the total market for new energy vehicle sales in China. Despite reaching a record high in shipments, Tesla claimed only 6.1% of the market, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
Last month, BYD introduced an advanced driver-assistance system for most of its models at no additional cost. Analysts noted this “God’s Eye” system upgrade increased the pressure on Tesla and other Chinese EV makers. In the US, Tesla’s FSD is available through a $99 monthly subscription or a one-time payment of $8,000. The Financial Times reported that Chinese officials were considering withholding Tesla’s FSD license approval as leverage in trade negotiations.
— CNN’s Hassan Tayir contributed reporting.
