BYD's 5-Minute 400km EV Charging Breakthrough

BYD has unveiled its groundbreaking Super e-Platform, setting a new global benchmark for EV technology. The platform boasts 1,000 kW ultra-fast charging (1 MW), enabling 400 km (249 miles) of range in just 5 minutes – twice the speed of Tesla’s Tesla’s latest Superchargers (500kW).

The breakthrough, part of the all-new BYD Super e-Platform, was unveiled on March 17 at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, which also included the launch of two new EV models: Han L & Tang L EVs.

The BYD Super e-Platform: Game-Changing Charging Speeds

BYD isn’t calling this just another EV platform, it’s positioning the Super e-Platform as a complete re-imagnation of its EV platform. Key innovations achieved from the new platform include:

• 10C Blade Batteries: Redesigned for ultra-fast ion transfer, supporting 1,000V/1,000A charging.
• High-Revving Motor: World’s first mass-produced motor hitting 30,511 RPM and 580 kW peak power (outperforming V12 engines!).
• 1MW Charging : BYD debuts 1,000 kW superchargers, paired with energy storage systems to ensure stable power even in low-grid areas.

To put BYD's latest innovation in perspective, Tesla’s latest V4 Superchargers—considered the fastest in the world max out at 500kW. That means BYD’s new system could, in theory, fully charge a 100kWh battery in just 10 minutes.

For reference, most existing ultra-fast chargers, including Tesla’s, range between 200kW to 400kW, with only a few rare exceptions reaching 500kW. If BYD’s claims hold true, this changes the game entirely, potentially cutting charging times in half and putting EV charging on par with petrol refuelling speeds.

What This Means for Australian EV Drivers

For Aussie EV drivers, this could be a significant win. Faster charging means less time waiting at public chargers, making long-distance road trips and daily EV use more convenient than ever.

How this technology will be implemented in the real-world however remains to be seen. Ubiquitous 1MW charging will place incredible pressure on the grid. Even with energy storage support the roll-out will be incredibly difficult (at least in Australia). Today, the fastest chargers available are rated at 360 kW.

It is likely this new charging system will be thoroughly market tested in China before it makes its way to Australia.

Meet the Han L and Tang L: BYD’s Latest High-Performance EVs

Alongside its revolutionary charging tech, BYD also launch pre-sales of two new EVs: the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV. These models, are based on the Super e-Platform, will support the 1,000kW charging tech, further demonstrating BYD’s confidence in its new system.

💵 Competitve pricing

• Han L EV: 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, priced ~USD37,330–48,400
• Tang L EV: 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, priced ~USD38,700–49,800

💪 Powerful Dual-Motor Setup

• Front motor: 230kW
• Rear motor: 580kW (a rare feat—most high-performance EVs peak at 300kW per motor)

⚡ Game-Changing Range & Charging

• Supports up to 1,000kW charging
• Designed for ultra-high-speed refuelling

Both will feature LiDAR-powered “God’s Eye B” autonomous driving and BYD’s new silicon carbide chips (1,500V rating).

Both models were first previewed in January, with their official images and specs surfacing in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regulatory filings. If these cars launch with Australia-compatible specs, they could be leaders in the large electric sedan and SUV segment.