The biggest challenge for electric vehicles has always been charging time—but BYD might have just changed the game. The Chinese automaker has unveiled its next-generation charging technology, which could make charging an EV as fast as refueling a gas car.
Supercharged Performance: 1.2 Miles Per Second
BYD’s new Super e-Platform supports charging at a jaw-dropping 1,000 kW, delivering up to 1.2 miles (2 km) of range per second. That means you could gain 249 miles (400 km) of range in just 5 minutes—a feat that could drastically reduce range anxiety and make long-distance EV travel more convenient than ever.
Breaking Down the Tech
So, what makes this possible? Here’s what we know so far:
• 1,000V system – BYD’s new platform runs on a higher voltage than most current EVs, which typically peak at 800V or 900V (Lucid Motors being the highest among existing models).
• 1,000A max current – This level of power delivery enables ultra-fast charging speeds.
• Near gas-station speed – The ability to charge in minutes instead of dozens of minutes or hours is a huge leap forward for EV adoption.
Could This Be the Future of EV Charging?
If BYD’s technology delivers on its promises, this could mark a major milestone in EV evolution. Long wait times at charging stations have often been cited as a drawback compared to traditional gas-powered cars. With charging this fast, that argument might soon become obsolete.
However, questions remain:
• Will this require entirely new charging infrastructure, or can existing stations be upgraded?
• How will battery longevity be affected by such high-power charging?
• Will we see other automakers adopt similar technology to stay competitive?