Chinese automaker BYD has introduced a commercial electric vehicle (EV) battery capable of charging in approximately the same time it takes to refuel a petrol car. The announcement, made during a livestream event in Shenzhen, China, marks a new development in EV charging technology.
The Super E-Platform offers 1,000kW charging speeds, which is four times faster than Tesla’s 250kW Superchargers. BYD claims the technology can provide up to 400km (249 miles) of range in just five minutes.
Initial rollout and market impact
The first models set to incorporate this ultra-fast charging system will be BYD’s Han L and Tang L, which will initially be available only in China. The company has stated that mass production will begin soon.
During the event, BYD representatives said the technology was intended to address range concerns among EV users.
The launch comes at a time when electric vehicle adoption in China continues to grow, with over 20 million battery-powered cars now on the road. BYD currently holds the largest EV market share in China, accounting for roughly one-third of all sales.
In 2023, BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s largest EV manufacturer, though its presence in Europe remains limited and it has yet to enter the US market.
Global trends in EV and combustion engine sales
Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates a continued global shift toward electric vehicles:
- In 2023, 18% of all new cars sold worldwide were electric, up from 14% in 2022.
- Between 2018 and 2023, global sales of petrol and diesel cars declined by 25%, from 83.7 million to 62.8 million, suggesting that fossil fuel vehicle sales may have peaked.
Challenges of adopting ultra-fast charging
Despite its potential, the Super E-Platform will require specialized charging infrastructure to achieve the fastest charging times. Industry experts note that widespread adoption will depend on the availability and expansion of compatible high-speed charging stations.
The Han L and Tang L models, the first vehicles featuring the flash-charging system, are expected to start at $40,000, according to BYD’s founder Wang Chuanfu.
Industry transition and future challenges
As the automotive industry continues shifting toward electrification, automakers are investing in faster charging solutions and alternative energy technologies. However, infrastructure development and regional market expansion remain key obstacles that will determine the pace of adoption.
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