Chinese automaker BYD has introduced an advanced charging system that significantly reduces the time needed to recharge electric vehicles, bringing it closer to the refuelling experience of traditional petrol cars.
The new battery and charging platform, tested on the upcoming Han L sedan, demonstrated the ability to deliver 400km of range in just five minutes, according to BYD chairman and founder Wang Chuanfu. The first models featuring this technology will go on sale in April.
This development could be a game-changer for electric vehicle adoption, addressing one of the key concerns among potential buyers—long charging times. By offering charging speeds comparable to the time it takes to refuel a conventional vehicle, BYD aims to attract drivers hesitant to switch to electric mobility due to lengthy charging stops.
The new platform is set to underpin many of BYD’s future EV models and is expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the global electric vehicle market. BYD has rapidly emerged as a formidable competitor to Tesla, challenging the U.S. automaker for the title of the world’s top EV seller. Meanwhile, Tesla’s China shipments dropped by 49% in February compared to the previous year, reaching just 30,688 vehicles—the lowest monthly figure since July 2022.
To support the new charging technology, BYD has committed to building over 4,000 charging stations across China. The company has not disclosed a specific timeline or the investment required for this initiative. However, earlier this month, BYD raised approximately US$5.6 billion in a share sale, providing substantial financial backing for its expansion.
The new system outpaces Tesla’s Supercharger network, which currently provides up to 275km of range in 15 minutes. While BYD’s charging speeds surpass those of its American rival, Tesla maintains a far larger global infrastructure, with over 65,000 Superchargers worldwide.
Mercedes-Benz has also entered the fast-charging race with its newly unveiled entry-level CLA electric sedan, capable of adding 325km of range in 10 minutes.
During the unveiling event at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, Wang highlighted another performance breakthrough, stating that the new EV platform would enable acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in just two seconds.
The first models to incorporate the ultra-fast charging system will be the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV.
BYD’s rapid technological progress could also pose a competitive challenge to Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), currently the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer. Rival automaker Li Auto is utilising CATL’s latest-generation battery, which supports ultra-fast charging capable of delivering 500km of range in 12 minutes.
With its latest battery breakthrough, BYD continues to push the boundaries of EV innovation, positioning itself as a dominant force in the global electric vehicle industry.
