• BYD has introduced a new EV charging platform capable of 1,000 kW peak speeds, allowing a 5-minute charge to power a vehicle for 400 km.
  • The company plans to build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China but has not disclosed a timeline or investment details.

BYD has introduced a new electric vehicle (EV) charging platform capable of significantly reducing charging times, aiming to match the refueling speed of gasoline-powered cars.

The company also announced plans to establish a nationwide charging network in China.

The "super e-platform" will support peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts (kW), which is double the capacity of Tesla’s latest superchargers that offer up to 500 kW.

This new technology would allow EVs to travel 400 kilometers (249 miles) with just a five-minute charge, according to BYD founder Wang Chuanfu, who introduced the platform during a live-streamed event from the company’s Shenzhen headquarters.

"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 refueling time of petrol vehicles," Wang stated.

He further noted that this is the first time an EV charging system has achieved a megawatt-level charging power.

Initially, the new charging architecture will be implemented in two of BYD’s upcoming EV models:

  • Han L sedan
  • Tang L SUV

Both models will have a starting price of 270,000 yuan ($37,328.91).

BYD also announced plans to construct over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China. However, the company did not provide a specific timeline or disclose the amount it intends to invest in the project.

To date, BYD owners have primarily depended on third-party charging facilities or stations operated by other automakers, including Tesla, Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng, and Zeekr, all of which have been investing in their own charging infrastructure. Tesla has offered its supercharger network in China since 2014.

The expansion aligns with BYD’s broader strategy to increase its EV sales. The company, which relies heavily on plug-in hybrids, sold 4.2 million vehicles in 2023 and has set a target of 5-6 million units for 2024.

With the launch of its ultra-fast charging platform and planned infrastructure expansion, BYD aims to further accelerate the adoption of EVs in China’s growing market.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah