Chinese automaker BYD has introduced a groundbreaking advancement in electric vehicle (EV) charging, unveiling its Super E-Platform—a technology capable of delivering 400km (249 miles) of range in just five minutes.
This innovation significantly reduces charging times, bringing EV refueling closer to the convenience of traditional gasoline-powered cars.
BYD’s new Super E-Platform features 1,000kW charging speeds, nearly four times faster than Tesla’s 250kW Superchargers. At these speeds, an EV can gain enough charge for long-distance travel in just minutes, addressing a key concern for potential EV buyers—range anxiety.
The first models to incorporate this cutting-edge charging system will be BYD’s Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, initially launching in China. To support this technology, the company plans to build 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across the country.
China remains the largest market for electric vehicles, with over 20 million battery-powered cars on the road. BYD leads this segment, holding nearly a third of all EV sales in the country. In 2023, it surpassed Tesla to become the world’s largest EV manufacturer, despite having a relatively small presence in Europe and no market entry in the US.
Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates a global shift toward EVs, with electric cars accounting for 18% of all new vehicle sales in 2023, up from 14% the previous year. Meanwhile, sales of traditional gasoline and diesel cars have fallen by a quarter since 2018.
While BYD’s rapid-charging technology presents an exciting breakthrough, it requires specialized charging infrastructure to achieve peak efficiency. Additionally, extreme temperatures and battery conditions may impact real-world charging speeds.
For now, the Super E-Platform will be limited to BYD’s latest models and sold exclusively in China. The company has yet to announce plans for international availability.
Meanwhile, the US government has proposed restrictions on Chinese-made EVs, citing cybersecurity concerns. This regulatory hurdle, combined with existing tariffs, makes it unlikely that BYD will enter the American market in the near future.
BYD’s advancements come at a time when Tesla’s global market share is under pressure. The American automaker saw a 45% drop in European sales in early 2024, and its Chinese market share fell to just 6.1%, compared to BYD’s 32% share.
The news of BYD’s ultra-fast charging technology coincided with a 5% drop in Tesla’s stock price, continuing its downward trend since the beginning of the year. However, Tesla is looking to regain momentum by focusing on its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, launching free trials of its autonomous driving system in China.
With input from Independent, the Register, and the Daily Mail.
