BYD Unveils Super-Charging EV Tech, Plans Nationwide Charging Network in China
BYD has introduced a new electric vehicle (EV) platform capable of charging as fast as refuelling a petrol car. The company also announced plans to build a nationwide charging network in China.
The "super e-platform" will support peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts, allowing EVs to gain 400 km of range in just five minutes, founder Wang Chuanfu said during a livestreamed event from BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters.
This charging speed is twice as fast as Tesla’s latest superchargers, which offer up to 500 kW. Fast-charging technology is considered crucial for increasing EV adoption by addressing concerns over charging time.
"In order to completely solve our user's charging anxiety, we have been pursuing a goal to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of petrol vehicles," Wang said.
He added that this marks the first time in the industry that charging power has reached the megawatt level.
The new charging system will debut in two upcoming EV models, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, which will start at 270,000 yuan (USD 37,328.91). To support the platform, BYD plans to install more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging units across China.
The company did not disclose a timeline or investment details for the charging network.
Until now, BYD owners have primarily relied on third-party charging stations or facilities from other automakers. Tesla has operated superchargers in China since 2014, while Chinese EV makers such as Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng, and Zeekr have been expanding their own charging networks.
BYD, which mainly sells plug-in hybrids, recorded 4.2 million vehicle sales last year and aims to sell between 5 million to 6 million units in 2024.
BYD introduced a new EV platform with 1,000 kW charging speeds.
The technology allows a 400 km range boost in five minutes.
The company will build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging units in China.
Source: REUTERS