BYD introduces new megawatt charging platform
Chinese electric automaker has announced 1,000 kW supercharging technology, plans to roll out its own platform.
BYD has unveiled a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) platform capable of charging as quickly as traditional fuel refueling, alongside plans to establish its own charging network across China for the first time.
The newly introduced Super e-Platform delivers peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts (kW), allowing vehicles to gain 400 kilometers (249 miles) of range in just five minutes, according to founder Wang Chuanfu. This represents a significant leap over Tesla’s latest Superchargers, which peak at 500 kW. Wang emphasized the company’s goal of making EV charging as fast as refueling an ICE, calling it the first instance of megawatt-level charging power in the industry.
The platform will debut in two new models, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, priced from 270,000 yuan ($37,329). To support the technology, BYD plans to roll out over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China, though the company has yet to disclose a timeline or investment details.
Tesla has been expanding its Supercharger network in China since 2014, while domestic rivals Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng, and Zeekr have already invested heavily in proprietary charging infrastructure. BYD, the world’s largest EV maker, sold 4.2 million vehicles in 2023, primarily plug-in hybrids, and is targeting 5 to 6 million units this year.
In 2024, BYD dominated China with a 32% share of the total market for new energy vehicle sales.
