BYD’s Charging Tech Beats Tesla in Speed

Chinese EV giant BYD has unveiled groundbreaking fast-charging technology, promising to deliver twice the charging speed of Tesla’s superchargers. The company plans to roll out over 4,000 ultra-fast chargers across China to support this innovation.

BYD’s new “Super e-Platform” can achieve peak charging speeds of 1,000kW. This dwarfs Tesla’s V4 superchargers, which are expected to reach 500kW. A mere five-minute charge can provide an impressive 400km (249 miles) of range.

This cutting-edge charging capability will initially be available in BYD’s Han L sedan and Tang L SUV models, starting at approximately $37,330 (270,000 yuan).

Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s founder, emphasized the company’s commitment to eliminating charging anxiety, stating their goal is to reduce EV charging times to match refueling times for petrol vehicles. He also noted that this marks the first time the industry has achieved megawatt-level charging power.

The installation of 4,000+ ultra-fast chargers addresses a key issue. Currently, many BYD owners rely on third-party charging networks. This initiative aims to create a more seamless and convenient charging experience for BYD customers.

BYD’s innovative spirit extends beyond charging tech. Recently, they introduced a roof-mounted drone launcher compatible with all BYD cars, developed in partnership with DJI. This allows drones to take off and land at speeds up to 25 km/h.

BYD is rapidly closing the gap with Tesla in terms of sales. In 2024, BYD sold 1.76 million vehicles, slightly behind Tesla’s 1.79 million. However, the majority of BYD’s sales are concentrated in China, primarily driven by its hybrid vehicles.