China’s BYD announced a new “Super e-Platform” technology that claims to charge electric vehicles almost as quickly as filling a gasoline car. The EV giant says its cars can achieve 400 kilometers of range with just 5 minutes of charging at peak speeds of 1,000 kilowatts.
BYD’s shares jumped more than 6% on Tuesday after the announcement, reaching a new 52-week high. The company plans to build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging piles across China and feature its new technology in its Hong Kong-listed Han L sedan and Shenzen-listed Tang L SUV.
While some analysts praise BYD’s innovation as a game-changer for range anxiety, others say speedier charging is just one factor. Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights, notes that overall battery range and convenience are still top priorities for EV owners.
However, BYD’s fast-charging platform could potentially change consumer behavior, encouraging “top-up” charging rather than full charge cycles. This approach has been adopted by companies like Nio, which announced a strategic partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology to create a large battery swapping service network.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, BYD’s breakthrough may be a significant development in addressing range anxiety and making EVs more appealing to consumers.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/18/byd-shares-surge-after-ev-giant-announces-new-fast-charging-technology.html