BYD just shook up the EV world with its latest ultra-fast charging technology. The Chinese automaker has introduced a 1,000kW charging system, capable of adding 400 km (249 miles) of range in just five minutes. That’s twice as fast as Tesla’s V4 Superchargers, which max out at 500kW. Alongside this breakthrough, BYD is also investing heavily in charging infrastructure, planning to install over 4,000 ultra-fast chargers across China.
Twice the Speed of Tesla’s Superchargers
BYD’s new “Super e-Platform” delivers 1,000kW peak charging speeds, making it the first megawatt-level charging system in the EV industry. This slashes charging times, bringing it closer to the refueling experience of gas-powered cars.
The first vehicles to feature this game-changing tech are the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, starting at 270,000 yuan (~$37,330). These models will be BYD’s fastest-charging EVs yet, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
BYD’s Massive Charging Network Expansion
To support this lightning-fast charging, BYD is rolling out 4,000+ ultra-fast chargers across China. While the company hasn’t provided a timeline, this is a huge shift—most BYD drivers currently rely on third-party charging stations. If successful, this could significantly boost BYD’s dominance in China’s EV market.
BYD’s Wild Drone Feature & Tesla Rivalry
BYD isn’t stopping at charging innovation. Earlier this month, the company unveiled a roof-mounted drone launcher, developed in collaboration with DJI. This feature, compatible with all BYD models, allows drones to take off and land at speeds up to 25 km/h.
Meanwhile, BYD is closing the sales gap with Tesla. In 2024, BYD sold 1.76 million cars, just behind Tesla’s 1.79 million. However, 90% of BYD’s sales were in China, with hybrids leading the charge.
With record-breaking charging speeds and bold new tech, is BYD positioning itself as Tesla’s biggest threat yet?
