BYD's Super-E Platform: Charging Electric Cars at Lightning Speed

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity among environmentally aware consumers, but many potential buyers still worry about running out of battery charge while driving. This concern, known as 'range anxiety', often deters people from switching to electric cars.

However, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has made a bold claim to eliminate this fear. The company has introduced a groundbreaking charging system called the 'Super-E Platform'. This innovative technology allows an electric vehicle to cover up to 250 miles (400 kilometers) after just five minutes of charging.

This impressive capability is powered by a 1,000-kilowatt (kW) charger, which is double the capacity of current competitors like Tesla's Supercharger. This means that recharging an electric vehicle could take the same time as refueling a traditional petrol car.

In 2022, BYD became the world's second-largest producer of battery-powered electric vehicles, just behind Tesla. With the introduction of this new charging system, BYD aims to secure the top spot, appealing to users who are hesitant to give up their petrol-powered vehicles.

Wang Chuanfu, the founder of BYD, likened this development to achieving 'oil-electric parity' for refueling times. During a recent launch event in Shenzhen, China, he expressed that the company's goal has been to match the charging times of electric vehicles with those of petrol vehicles.

The first models to benefit from this new charging system are the BYD Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV, which were launched this year. These vehicles are priced between 270,000 and 350,000 yuan (approximately $37,300 to $48,350), which is competitive compared to the average cost of EVs in the UK.

BYD reports that with the new battery architecture, drivers can gain up to 1.20 miles (2 kilometers) of range for every second of charging at peak rates. The vehicles, rated at '10C', can achieve a full charge in just six minutes.

Achieving such rapid charging necessitates a significant amount of electrical power, requiring high voltage and large currents. One challenge of increasing charging power is the heat generated by high currents, which can be hazardous for batteries. To address this, BYD claims it has reduced the internal resistance of the batteries, minimizing heat generation during charging. Additionally, they have developed new silicon carbide power chips that can handle the high voltage demanded by this innovative charging setup.

This new charging technology will initially be available for the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. The announcement of the charging system, which offers 1,000 kW of power, allows drivers to gain two kilometers of range per second.

At the launch event, Wang Chuanfu revealed the significance of reaching a megawatt of charging power, which surpasses the capacity of many existing charging systems in markets like the UK and the US. Most Tesla Superchargers, for instance, provide between 250 kW and 400 kW of charging power, giving an average range of about 172 miles (277 km) after 15 minutes of charging.

BYD plans to build a network of 4,000 'flash-charging stations' across China to support this remarkable advancement in charging speed. Setting up such powerful charging stations requires direct connections to the electrical grid and effective cooling systems to prevent overheating, indicating that considerable infrastructure improvements will be necessary.

The introduction of BYD's fast-charging technology has already begun impacting the electric vehicle market. Following the announcement, shares of BYD saw a notable increase, rising by 4.1% in a single day. Conversely, shares of Tesla fell by 5.5%, adding to a significant decline in its stock value amid concerns over CEO Elon Musk's recent public associations.

While the technology is currently limited to China, and there are no details on when the charging stations will be built or how BYD plans to finance them, the promise of faster charging and extended range is crucial for persuading buyers to transition from petrol cars to electric alternatives. A recent survey found that 42% of potential EV buyers prioritize charging speed, and many desire charging times of 30 minutes or less.

This latest innovation from BYD could pave the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, easing the transition for buyers who still rely on traditional fuel vehicles.

electric, charging, innovation