BYD's 1,000-kW Ultrafast Charging Stations Set to be Launched This April: A Real Game-changer for EVs

The electric vehicle (EV) industry looks set for a major charging milestone, given BYD's plan to unveil its very first 1,000-kW ultrafast charging stations, which will roll out in early April. With 500 stations expected to roll out before, and plans for at least another 4,000 stations across China, BYD is charging ahead in bringing a new level of convenience to EV charging.

Breaking Through: 400 km in Just 5 Minutes

BYD's newly revealed Megawatt Flash Charger is an incredible feat of technology. It provides an astounding 1,000 kW (1 MW) of charging power and is expected to add 400 km of range for about five minutes of charging. This charging power dwarfs Tesla's recent V4 Supercharger station, which caps at 500 kW of charging power and already potentially cuts charging time for EV users by half compared to other battery charging solutions.

In order to provide such high amounts of power, BYD will use energy storage systems at these sites to provide power for charging, even in areas of the grid that are restricted. In other words, BYD will be able to charge vehicles reliably and consistently without causing issues with local electricity distribution systems.

First Vehicles to Receive the Innovative Technology: Han L and Tang L EVs

BYD's initial vehicles to take advantage of this new technology will be the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, both of which will go on sale in April. These are the first two models to support ultrafast charging and also have BYD's new Blade Battery with a 10C charging rate, the highest of any mass-produced EV battery currently available.

Interestingly, both models are designed to charge via dual-plug technology, a feature previously tested on the Denza D9, further optimizing charging efficiency. Even though the charger can achieve a peak charging power of 1,360 kW, the battery management of the Han L and Tang L only supports 1,000 kW for now.

Implications for the E-Mobility Ecosystem

The launch of ultrafast chargers by BYD represents a revolutionary moment for the adoption of EVs, as it tackles two of the largest barriers: charging time and the availability of charging infrastructure.

Key Implications:

• Less Range Anxiety: Recharging an EV will feel as fast as filling a gasoline car.

• More Incentives to Adopt EVs: More alluring charging options will introduce interest from potential buyers.

• Market Disruption: BYD sets a precedent for ultrafast charging that will make competitors hustle to catch up.

What's Next?

The April rollout of BYD’s first wave of ultrafast charging stations is just the start. As BYD rolls out 4,000 ultrafast charging stations in China, there is a potential to revolutionize the global charging infrastructure. As long as more automakers and other infrastructure developers follow suit, we could see this type of technology available sooner rather than later across the globe.

For those eager to see the new technology in action, detailed images of the first two cars to be equipped with the technology that can use these chargers can be found below.

2023 BYD Han Image Gallery

Key Takeaways

• BYD’s 1,000-kW ultrafast charging stations go live in April, with 500 locations ready.

• The Megawatt Flash Charger delivers 400 km of range in just 5 minutes.

• Han L and Tang L will be the first models to support this game-changing charging speed.