Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has unveiled groundbreaking charging technology capable of delivering 1,000 kilowatts (kW) of power, enabling EVs to gain approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) of range in just five minutes. This advancement significantly reduces charging times, addressing one of the primary concerns among potential EV buyers.
The new charging system, the “Super e-Platform,” boasts a charging power of 1,000 kW and can handle up to 1,000 amps. This allows for a charging rate of about 2 kilometers per second, adding 400 kilometers (approximately 250 miles) of range in five minutes. BYD plans to implement this technology in its upcoming Han L sedan and Tang L SUV models, with starting prices around £28k ($37k).
To support this innovation, BYD intends to build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China, aiming to alleviate charging anxiety among EV users by reducing charging times to levels comparable to refueling traditional gasoline vehicles.
This development positions BYD ahead of competitors like Tesla, whose current Supercharger network offers charging capabilities up to 250 kW, with plans to introduce 500 kW chargers in the future.
However, the widespread adoption of such high-powered chargers presents challenges, including the need for significant infrastructure upgrades and the potential for increased vehicle production costs. Additionally, frequent rapid charging could impact battery longevity.
Despite these hurdles, BYD’s advancement represents a significant milestone in EV technology, bringing charging times closer to the convenience of traditional refueling and potentially accelerating the global shift toward electric mobility.
