BYD has just unveiled a ground-breaking ultra-fast charging system that can add 250 miles of range in just 5 minutes - a development that could transform the electric vehicle (EV) market. This new system, part of BYD’s Super-e platform, delivers a charging speed of 1 megawatt (1,000kW) which is nearly three times faster than the fastest current charging systems in passenger cars.
This technological breakthrough could eliminate one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging time. If charging an EV becomes as quick and easy as refuelling a petrol car, the transition to electric could accelerate rapidly.
BYD’s Super-e platform integrates a new Flash Charging Battery with a 1,000-volt architecture, allowing charging speeds previously unheard of in mass-market vehicles. The platform's core components - motor, electronic control, and battery - have all been upgraded to handle ultra-high voltage and high current without overheating or damaging the battery.
At the heart of this innovation is BYD’s new generation of silicon carbide (SiC) power chips. These chips can handle voltages of up to 1,500V and a charging rate of 10C, meaning the battery can charge to full in around six minutes.
To support these speeds, BYD has also developed a 1,360kW liquid-cooled charging terminal, capable of delivering enough power to match petrol refuelling speeds. BYD plans to install over 4,000 of these fast-charging stations across China, with plans to expand internationally once infrastructure allows.
Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Group, said the goal is to make EV charging as quick and easy as filling up a petrol tank:
"To completely eliminate users’ charging anxiety, our goal is to make EV charging as fast as refuelling a gasoline car – achieving ‘oil-electric parity’ in charging speed."
This level of charging convenience addresses one of the final hurdles in mass EV adoption; charging speed. Drivers who may have hesitated to switch to electric due to long charging times now have fewer reasons to stick with petrol or diesel.
To put BYD’s achievement in perspective:
BYD’s 1,000kW charging speed raises the bar significantly, making it the fastest charging system available for mass-production vehicles.
While this technology is currently limited to BYD’s upcoming Han L and Tang L models in China, it signals a major shift for the global EV market. If BYD can bring this technology to the UK and Europe, it could create pressure on other manufacturers to accelerate their own charging capabilities.
The new system also places greater demands on charging infrastructure. Currently, even the fastest ultra-rapid chargers in the UK top out at 350kW - well below BYD’s potential. Expanding infrastructure to support these new speeds will require significant investment from both private companies and government bodies.
There are still challenges to overcome. Ultra-fast charging requires a robust electrical grid, and not all locations are equipped to handle this level of power demand. Additionally, while faster charging is more convenient, it comes at a higher cost due to the increased infrastructure and energy demands.
However, BYD’s new system proves that ultra-fast charging is no longer a future dream - it’s here. As other manufacturers work to catch up, we could see a significant shift toward faster, more convenient EV charging across the industry.
BYD’s ultra-fast charging system is a game-changer for the EV market. By offering 250 miles of range in just five minutes, BYD is eliminating one of the biggest pain points for drivers considering the switch to electric. If this technology becomes widely available, it could accelerate the shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles, and position BYD as a leader in the next phase of EV adoption.
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