China's BYD unveils EV that charges twice as fast as Tesla, making it possible to charge at the same speed as refueling
Chinese EV manufacturer BYD has announced a new charging system called 'Super e-Platform' that will charge EVs at 1000kW (1MW), twice the power of Tesla's superchargers, which charge at a maximum of 500kW, and allow EVs to be charged as quickly as refueling with gasoline. According to BYD, BYD is the first in the industry to achieve megawatt-level charging power.
Chinese EV maker BYD says fast-charging system could be as quick as filling up a tank | Electric, hybrid and low-emission cars | The Guardian
BYD's shares rally after rolling out new technology it claims charges EVs in five minutes
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/18/byd-shares-surge-after-ev-giant-announces-new-fast-charging-technology.html
BYD founder Wang Chuanfu announced at an event livestreamed from the company's Shenzhen headquarters on March 17, 2025 that BYD's two new models, the Han L and Tang L, will be able to receive 1,000kW peak charging power and can travel 500km on a five-minute charge.
By comparison, Tesla's new Supercharged vehicles can travel up to 270 km in 15 minutes with a maximum power supply of 500 kW, while Mercedes-Benz's new CLA, an EV announced in March 2025, can travel up to 325 km with less than 10 minutes of charging.
'The ultimate solution is to make charging an EV as fast as refueling a gasoline car,' Wang said at the event.
According to BYD, two models compatible with the 'Super e-Platform' have already been officially launched in China. BYD also plans to install 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations compatible with the new charging platform across China. Although specific installation plans have not been disclosed, BYD vehicle owners have previously relied on charging facilities of other automakers or public charging facilities operated by third parties.
Following the announcement, BYD's shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange rose 4.1% on March 18, 2025, hitting an all-time high. As a result, BYD's shares have risen by more than 50% since the beginning of 2025.
Xing Lei, an independent Chinese auto analyst, called the technological advances of BYD's new battery platform 'amazing' and a 'heartbreaking' development for foreign competitors.
One company that has been hit particularly hard is Tesla, a major electric vehicle manufacturer. The Guardian, a major British newspaper, pointed out that 'The BYD news highlights even tougher competition for an already struggling Tesla, whose shares have plummeted after Musk defended far-right movements in Europe and made drastic cuts to government staff as part of the Trump administration's efforts.'
Tesla shares reportedly fell 5.5% on the 18th, bringing their stock price to a 44% drop since the beginning of the year.
Experts predict that in the future, charging systems that will make charging feel just like gasoline will also change the behavior of EV owners.
Michael Dunne, founder and CEO of advisory service Dunne Insights, told foreign media outlet CNBC, 'Very few EV owners ever fully charge their batteries from zero; they charge them like they would a smartphone, so 'Five Minute Charging' could change that behavior.'
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