BYD has dropped a big bomb which is sure to decimate all its rivals, including Tesla, if and when it comes to market. The major gripe for all consumers switching to electric mobility is the long charging queues usually seen in the public charging stations, if at all a facility is available in proximity.
The latest solution from BYD is set to solve all problems of electric vehicle (EV) owners. The Chinese EV manufacturer has released a super charger which can potentially add 400 km of range in just 5 minutes. This is as quick as getting a tank filled with gas at a refuelling station and now BYD plans to build a robust charging network of this super charger across China.
According to a Reuters report, the so-called “super e-platform” will be capable of peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts (kW), enabling cars that use it to travel 400 km (249 miles) on a 5-minute charge. This new platform was unveiled by company founder Wang Chuanfu at an event livestreamed from BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen.
BYD Super Charger: Tesla at risk?
At a capacity of a whopping 1000 kW, the report claims that this new super e-platform will be twice as fast as Tesla’s super chargers which have a capacity of 500 kW. For context Tesla’s super chargers can add a range of up to 275 km in 15 minutes. Fast-charging technology has played a crucial role in boosting EV adoption by addressing drivers’ concerns about quickly recharging their vehicles.
BYD revealed that it would build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging piles, or units, across China to match the new platform. However, the carmaker didn’t specify the time frame or how much it would invest in building such facilities. Initially, this super e-platform will be available in two new BYD models — Han L sedan and Tang L SUV —- priced 270,000 yuan (approx. Rs 32.37 lakh) onwards.Â
Until now, BYD owners have primarily depended on charging facilities from other automakers or public charging stations operated by third parties. Since 2014, Tesla has provided its superchargers in China, while smaller Chinese automakers like Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng, and Zeekr have also invested heavily in building charging infrastructure for years.
With inputs from Reuters
