By Chinese auto giant BYD Auto Co. has introduced a game-changing EV charging technology that allows electric vehicles to fully charge in under five minutes. This groundbreaking innovation significantly reduces charging time, making it as fast as refueling a traditional gasoline car—a milestone in the global shift toward electric mobility.
The Revolutionary Charging Breakthrough
During the official announcement, BYD’s Chairman and Founder, Wang Chuanfu, confirmed that the company will start rolling out this ultra-fast charging technology from next month. The technology was successfully tested on BYD’s Han L Sedan, which achieved an impressive 470 kilometers (292 miles) of range in just five minutes of charging.
This rapid charging capability sets a new benchmark in the EV industry, addressing one of the most common concerns among electric vehicle users—charging time.
How BYD’s Charging Technology Compares to Traditional EV Charging
Typically, EV charging times vary depending on the type of charger used:
- Home Sockets (2.4kW): The slowest method, taking up to 10 hours to charge an EV to 80%.
- 7kW Fast Charger: Can be used at home, charging an average EV in 3 hours and 26 minutes.
- 22kW Rapid Charger: Found at petrol stations or public charging points, reducing charge time to about 1 hour.
- 50kW Rapid Charging Points: Typically located at motorway service stations, charging an average 40kWh car in 29 minutes.
With BYD’s breakthrough, the charging time has been slashed to just 5 minutes, marking a huge leap forward in electric vehicle convenience.
BYD vs. Tesla: The Battle for EV Supremacy
BYD is Tesla’s biggest global rival, competing for the top position in EV sales worldwide. In 2024, BYD outpaced Tesla for the first time in history, posting a record-breaking 200 billion yuan ($28.2 billion) in revenue between July and September.
While Tesla’s Superchargers can provide 275 kilometers of range in 15 minutes, BYD’s latest charging technology significantly outperforms Tesla’s charging speeds. However, Tesla still holds an advantage with its global Supercharger network of over 65,000 stations.
What This Means for the Future of EVs?
BYD’s revolutionary fast-charging technology is expected to:
- Accelerate EV adoption by reducing charging anxiety.
- Encourage more consumers to switch from gasoline to electric cars.
- Push competitors like Tesla and other EV manufacturers to improve their charging infrastructure.
As BYD continues to innovate, the EV industry is entering a new era, where ultra-fast charging could soon become the new standard for electric vehicles worldwide.
