Fast charging has always been the biggest challenge in the EV industry. While Tesla has long led the pack, BYD is now making a strong case for itself. With its new Super e-Platform and a 1000kW charger, BYD claims it can give an EV a 400km range in just five minutes. That’s faster than grabbing a coffee at a charging station and as quick as refueling a petrol car.
BYD’s new charger is twice as powerful as Tesla’s latest V4 Supercharger. Tesla currently offers up to 250kW for most of its network, whereas even their best charging speeds provide around 170 miles (273 km) in 15 minutes. Compare that to BYD’s claim: 249 miles (400 km) in just 5 minutes. That’s a massive leap.
For context, refueling a petrol car takes about 3-5 minutes. Until now, EV owners had to wait 20-30 minutes even at fast chargers. But with BYD’s ultra-fast 1000kW charging, waiting for hours is no longer a problem. This puts EVs on par with traditional cars in terms of convenience, which could remove one of the biggest barriers to adoption.
The secret lies in BYD’s new Blade battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. This battery achieves a 10C charging multiplier, meaning it can take in energy at an incredibly fast rate without overheating or degrading quickly. In real-world scenarios, even when charged up to 90%, BYD’s system maintains an impressive 600kW speed, a feat few automakers can claim.
One of the biggest hesitations people have about EVs is range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery with no quick way to recharge. If BYD’s claims hold up, that worry could be a thing of the past. Imagine stopping at a charging station for just a few minutes and getting enough juice for a long road trip, just like filling up a petrol tank.
While charging infrastructure is still a challenge, BYD already has plans to roll out these ultra-fast chargers across its 4,000 charging stations in China. If these chargers make their way to other markets, it could force other automakers to speed up their own charging advancements.
How Does It Compare to the Current Infrastructure?
Right now, most public fast chargers operate at 50kW to 350kW. Even Tesla’s Supercharger network, considered one of the best, caps out at 250kW for most vehicles. This means EV owners still have to wait around 20-30 minutes to get a decent charge. In contrast, BYD’s 1000kW system would reduce that to just minutes, making EV charging as seamless as fueling a petrol car.
While global fast chargers reach up to 350kW, India lags behind with most public fast chargers delivering between 50kW and 150kW. This means that charging times are significantly longer compared to developed markets. Against this backdrop, BYD’s 1000kW charger is a game-changer. If such chargers make their way to India, they could revolutionize EV adoption by dramatically cutting down charging times.
However, there are concerns. The biggest challenge is not just the car’s ability to charge quickly but also the grid’s capacity to handle such high-powered stations. A 1000kW charger requires massive infrastructure changes. Most grids in Europe and North America are not built for that kind of load yet.
Performance Beyond Charging: BYD’s New EV Lineup
Charging speed is not the only thing BYD has upgraded. The new Han L sedan and Tang L SUV come equipped with high-revving electric motors that can spin up to 30,511 rpm—the highest of any mass-produced EV motor to date. The power output is equally insane, with the Han L featuring a combined 1,100hp setup capable of 0-100kph in just 2.7 seconds. That’s getting into hypercar territory.
Tesla has long been the face of EV innovation, but BYD has been creeping up fast. The Chinese automaker has already overtaken Tesla in EV sales, and now, it’s coming for the tech crown as well. While Tesla struggled with its 4680 battery, which has not lived up to expectations, BYD seems to have cracked the code for ultra-fast charging without the drawbacks.
Of course, fast charging has often been linked to battery degradation. However, BYD’s LFP chemistry is known to be more durable than Tesla’s nickel-based batteries. It could handle fast charging better over time. There’s still limited long-term data on this, but if BYD’s claims are true, it might not be a major concern.
Fast-charging tech like this could be the push the EV industry needs. Many people hesitate to switch from gas-powered cars because they don’t want to spend time at a charger. If BYD can scale this technology and bring it to global markets, it could change the game entirely.
Tesla, on the other hand, is focusing more on self-driving and robotics, with Elon Musk’s attention increasingly divided. While Tesla still holds strong brand loyalty, its recent moves have raised concerns. Meanwhile, BYD has been aggressively expanding into new markets, building local production facilities, and offering competitively priced EVs.
For now, BYD has the upper hand in charging tech. Whether Tesla and others can catch up remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: EV charging is about to get a lot faster, and that’s good news for everyone.
