While the world is still debating whether electric cars are really the future, China's BYD has hit the nail on the head and proven that the future is not just near - it's already here. Their new fast-charging technology promises to top up an electric vehicle's battery faster than it takes to find the right charging cable in the trunk. So - fast-charging electric cars, coming to series production next month.
Fast charging of an electric car?! If we thought so far that it was Tesla If Tesla is the undisputed king of electric mobility (it hasn't been for a long time), then it's time for Elon Musk to check if he still has enough tricks up his sleeve. BYD has introduced a fast charging system that promises up to 1 MW charging power, which is twice as much of the most powerful Tesla chargers – technical specifications. So this is fast charging for an electric car like we've never seen before.
Super e-Platforma – fast charging of electric cars: Charging faster than stopping at a gas station
BYD's breakthrough is based on a new “Super e-Platforms”, which uses the most modern Blade batteries with incredibly fast charging. These batteries have charging multiplier 10C, which means that a completely discharged battery can be charged in just six minutesFor comparison – Tesla Model S Plaid needs about 25 minutesto reach 80 % of charge at Tesla Superchargers.
The platform allows operation at voltages up to 1,000 V and charging currents up to 1,000 A, which brings total power up to 1,000 kW (1 MW). This is not just impressive – it is groundbreaking. This is the first time in the automotive industry that we are talking about megawatts charging systems, meaning that electric cars are finally getting a charging speed comparable to refueling.
But that's not all - the "Super e-Platform" also includes a new electric motor with a power of 580 kW, which reaches dizzying heights 30,511 revolutions per minute. For the feel – that’s more than some V12 racing engines can achieve. On top of that, BYD uses state-of-the-art silicon carbide (SiC) power chips, operating at voltages up to 1,500 V, which increases efficiency and reduces energy losses.
First models: Han L and Tang L – electric rockets on wheels
The first cars to use this futuristic technology – fast electric car charging – are: Han L EV (sedan) and Tang L EV (SUV)Both models are already available for pre-order, and the official launch will be April 2025.
Han L EV can achieve a charging multiplier with the new system up to 10C, which means you can in five minutes obtain additional 400 km of range. Tang L EV not much slower – in the same time it gets 370 km reaches, as it works with a multiplier 8.4C.
If that's not impressive enough – The Han L EV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, Tang L EV in 3.9 secondsBoth numbers are deep into supercar territory.
In addition, BYD equips both models with advanced “God's Eye B” autonomous driving system, which promises even more sophisticated driving than Tesla's AutopilotAlthough the name is a bit dramatic, it is one of the most powerful ambient detection systems on the market.
Charging infrastructure: China's mega-chargers in action
Fast charging of an electric car depends on the infrastructure! Of course, such technology also needs the right support. That's why BYD plans to build more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations throughout China. These stations, called “Megawatt Flash Charger”, will provide power over 1 MW, some even up to 1,360 kW.
Because such high powers pose a challenge to power grids, BYD is introducing integrated energy storage devices into charging stations, which means that they will be able to provide stable power supply even where the network is not powerful enough.
Tesla in trouble? BYD raises standards
Until now it was Tesla V4 Supercharger the “fastest” charging system in the world, as it achieves up to 500 kW of powerBut BYD has set a completely new standard with its new technology – twice as fast charging, better battery technology and more powerful carsIt should be emphasized that Tesla still insists on the 400v charging system in the vast majority of its models.
V4 Superchargers are currently limited to 250 kW, but with the increase to 350 kW we will see much higher instantaneous charging speeds. Charging at 350 kW could allow Tesla vehicles to charge at speeds of up to 2,250 km per hour or obtain approximately 185 km range in just five minutesOf course, they are not resting on their laurels and have faster technology ready.
Other Chinese manufacturers, such as Li Auto and Xpeng, are developing fast charging systems, but BYD is now clearly leading the game. This removes one of the biggest obstacles to the mass adoption of electric vehicles – “taxiphobia” (fear of a long wait at the filling station).
With new charging technology that's faster than buying coffee at a gas station, BYD shows that electric cars they are no longer the future – but the present.
