Charge in a Flash: BYD’s EVs Now Recharge in Just 5 Minutes

Chinese automaker BYD is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market by unveiling a new battery system capable of charging an electric vehicle in just five minutes. This groundbreaking technology marks a significant advancement, as it allows EVs to recharge in a timeframe comparable to refueling conventional gasoline-powered cars.

Quick charging has been a goal in the automotive industry, where long charging times have often turned potential buyers away from EVs. With this innovative system, BYD claims that its latest Han L sedan can travel 249 miles after just five minutes of charging. For perspective, Tesla's fastest charging can provide about 170 miles of range in 15 minutes using its superchargers.

Years ago, Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a significant investment in in-house battery production to improve vehicle range and performance. Despite this, battery development has proven to be more complicated than expected, and Tesla's 4860 battery has not yet delivered the anticipated results.

In response to BYD's announcement, the company’s stock surged, propelling its market value to approximately $158 billion. This jump comes as BYD’s shares have appreciated by about 58% this year, illustrating growing investor confidence in the company's advancements.

Concerns Over Fast Charging Technology

Despite the excitement surrounding ultra-fast charging, some analysts caution that this technology might harm EV battery longevity. However, there is currently limited evidence to strongly support this concern.

In a past conversation with Reuters, the CEO of CATL, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer, criticized Musk, saying that he “doesn't know how to make a battery.”

BYD initially began as a battery manufacturer back in 1995 before entering the automotive industry. The company anticipated a future in which vehicles would operate as advanced computing units. Beyond producing EVs, BYD also sets up iPads for major tech company Apple. Its vehicle lineup caters to a broad range of budgets, with its most affordable model, the Seagull, starting at approximately $9,700.

Recently, BYD has been actively expanding into international markets, including Europe and South America. This growth not only strengthens China’s global presence but also creates jobs internationally, showcasing BYD's success beyond its home market.

The U.S. EV Market Faces Challenges

This progress occurs amid discussions about U.S. government subsidies that have historically supported the transition to electric vehicles. Musk is advocating for the removal of these subsidies, while critics argue that these financial incentives give Chinese automakers an unfair edge by allowing them to offer lower-priced vehicles.

On the other hand, BYD has achieved profitability within its EV segment, and American manufacturers might also reach similar results if provided more time to scale their production capacities. Once a leader in automotive innovation, the U.S. has increasingly shifted focus toward artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, leading to a perceived decline in its dominance in the automotive industry.

The move toward electric vehicles has faced more hurdles than industry leaders initially expected. The development of charging infrastructure has been slow, with many existing chargers often malfunctioning or delivering low-speed charging.

The traditional gasoline refueling infrastructure took decades to develop, and experts believe that EV charging networks will need similarly extensive time to mature. The introduction of ultra-fast charging technology could help ease range anxiety for drivers who are hesitant about spending long periods waiting at charging stations.

Beyond its advancements in affordability and battery performance, BYD has also announced plans to incorporate advanced self-driving technologies across its entire vehicle lineup. Early feedback on these self-driving systems indicates they perform exceptionally well.

Tesla’s Declining Market Position

These developments underline the widening gap between Tesla’s market valuation and its actual performance. The company has experienced declining global sales, lagging behind BMW in total vehicle sales, all while operating with thinner profit margins. Tesla's vehicle lineup now seems outdated, and its much-anticipated full self-driving features have yet to materialize.

To maintain its stock value, Musk has shifted focus to self-driving taxis and robotics. However, Tesla's shares have fallen by 40% since the start of 2025, partly due to backlash related to Musk's close relationship with the former Trump administration.

If Musk spent less time on political issues, he might have been able to focus more on Tesla's core operations—a company that once led the EV sector but now faces strong competition from BYD. The current situation raises questions about the potential progress Tesla could have made under a dedicated CEO without external distractions.

EVs, BYD, Tesla