Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has introduced a new charging platform that claims to reduce charging times to match the refuelling speed of petrol vehicles. The company also announced plans to build a network of fast-charging stations across China, marking a significant shift in its approach to EV infrastructure. The company’s founder, Wang Chuanfu, unveiled the ‘Super e-Platform’ at an event streamed from BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen on Monday, as reported by Reuters.
BYD 1,000 kW charging speeds and infra plans The new platform boasts peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts (kW), allowing EVs to gain 400 km (249 miles) of range in just five minutes.
This is double the speed of Tesla’s latest Superchargers, which currently offer a maximum of 500 kW. The innovation aims to tackle one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption – charging time.
The company also announced its intention to build more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China to complement the new platform. However, BYD has not disclosed a specific timeline for the project or the amount it plans to invest.
The charging platform will initially be available in two upcoming BYD models – the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV – priced from 270,000 yuan (around $37,400). These vehicles will be built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, which integrates multiple EV technologies, including:
That is in insane number to wrap my head around