Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD plans to construct 4,000 ultrafast charging stations, each capable of 1,000 kW, promising to revolutionise EV charging.
BYD has ambitious plans to roll out a network of 4,000 ultrafast charging stations, each with an impressive 1,000-kW flash charging capability. The rollout began with the first batch of approximately 500 stations expected to be operational in April, coinciding with the launch of BYD’s new Han L sedan and Tang L SUV.
At the unveiling of the 1,000-kW flash charging technology, BYD claimed that this innovative charger could add as much as 400 kilometres of driving range to an electric vehicle (EV) in just five minutes. This charging power significantly surpasses that of Tesla’s current V4 supercharger, which peaks at 500 kW.
Li Yunfei, the general manager of brand and public relations at BYD, noted the company intends to implement energy storage systems alongside these charging stations. This approach will ensure that the high charging speeds can be maintained, even in areas where the power supply might be inadequate.
During the same launch event where the ultrafast chargers were introduced, BYD kicked off pre-sales for the Han L and Tang L models, with the official launch scheduled for April. Li elaborated on the first-of-its-kind technology contained within their Super e-Platform, which boasts nearly 11 world firsts, including the groundbreaking flash charging capability and high-performance motor.
Acknowledging some scepticism surrounding the advanced technology, Li invited doubters to experience the new 1,000-kW flash charging stations firsthand once they become operational. He explained that while BYD is currently leading in some areas of electric vehicle technology, advancements from other companies should also be anticipated, noting that a diverse market can accommodate various innovations in new energy vehicles (NEVs).
To fully utilise the 1 MW charging capability, vehicles must be equipped with BYD’s latest blade battery, which features a “10C” charging rate. A 10C charging rate means a battery can be fully charged in 6 minutes (1/10th of an hour), or 10 times faster than the standard 1C rate (which is a full charge in 1 hour). This would be the fastest among mass-produced power batteries globally.
BYD has stated that its newly designed blade battery enhances ion transport and reduces resistance within the battery separator, enabling quicker charging times. The battery is capable of operating with voltages up to 1,000V and currents reaching 1,000A, both of which rank as the highest specifications in the industry.
As BYD pushes forward with its flash charging network and innovative battery technology, it sets the stage for a significant transformation in the landscape of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
