BYD unveils ultra-fast EV charger, adding 250 miles of range in just 5 minutes

Why it matters: Long charging times remain among the most significant drawbacks of electric vehicles compared to gas-powered cars. However, Chinese EV giant BYD claims it has nearly eliminated the gap between electric charging and gasoline refueling speeds. Unfortunately, the benefits will initially be available only in China, as BYD's vehicles face steep tariffs in Western countries.

Electric car maker BYD recently unveiled a charging system it claims can recharge EVs more than three times faster than Tesla's popular Superchargers. BYD's "Super e Platform" reportedly charges vehicles almost as quickly as gasoline pumps fill tanks, potentially addressing a major drawback of electric vehicle ownership.

Electric cars have grown in popularity partly due to their reduced environmental impact compared to traditional vehicles. However, EV battery technology remains a significant challenge, with new charging methods and alternative battery types still being intensively researched.

Currently, recharging an EV can take over half an hour. Tesla advertises that its Superchargers can provide up to 200 miles of range in approximately 15 minutes, though users sometimes resort to applying damp cloths to maintain charging rates of up to 120kW.

BYD claims its new flash charging platform significantly surpasses Tesla, delivering approximately 250 miles of range in just five minutes, or fully charging a vehicle in under eight minutes at rates reaching one megawatt (1,000kW). A promotional video from BYD demonstrated a car gaining around 12.5 miles of charge within 10 seconds. Tesla's stock price slumped by around 5% following the announcement.

The Super e Platform will debut with BYD's new flagship Han L and Tang L models, which are currently available for pre-order in China. The company has announced plans to construct over 4,000 flash charging stations across China but has not provided a timeline. It remains unclear when or if BYD's megawatt charging technology will become available outside China, especially given existing regulatory hurdles abroad.

BYD is widely recognized for its competitively priced EVs, benefiting greatly from Chinese government subsidies. However, the European Commission recently imposed tariffs on BYD and other Chinese automakers, potentially raising prices by up to 50 percent. The US had announced tariffs of 100 percent on these vehicles, although details on these duties have since disappeared from official government websites, leaving their status uncertain under the current administration.

Meanwhile, Tesla's sales increased slightly in the UK and US last month despite waning popularity in continental Europe and Australia. While increased competition and anticipation of Tesla's upcoming Model Y may have influenced sales, CEO Elon Musk's association with President Trump and his role as the head of DOGE might be significant factors.