BYD Unveils Record-Breaking Powerful EV Motor

Chinese EV giant BYD has just thrown down the gauntlet with its latest electric technology, and the numbers are nothing short of jaw-dropping. The company recently unveiled a 1000V charging system alongside an industry-leading electric motor that spins at a staggering 30,511 rpm and delivers 580 kW (778 hp) per module. For context, that’s faster than Xiaomi’s much-hyped V8s motor (27,200 rpm) and Tesla’s Plaid S motor (20,000 rpm).

But here’s the kicker: BYD isn’t putting this high-performance tech into its halo sports car line, Yangwang. Instead, it’s launching it in two family-friendly models – the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. That’s like strapping a jet engine onto a school run vehicle.

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A New Era of Performance EVs

BYD’s new motor is an engineering marvel. It uses N50EH high-energy magnets that boost magnetic performance by 18% and reduce current losses by 44%. The 0.2mm ultra-thin silicon steel sheet design cuts down iron loss, while the 10-layer short-distance winding lowers copper loss by 21%. Add in direct cooling refrigerant technology and a 1500V silicon carbide (SiC) power module, and you’ve got an EV motor that’s both brutally powerful and highly efficient.

The performance figures speak for themselves. The Han L can rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds and accelerate from 100 km/h to 200 km/h in only 4.74 seconds. The Tang L SUV, despite being heavier, isn’t far behind – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and 100 km/h to 200 km/h in 6.19 seconds.

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Are Family Cars Supposed to Be This Fast?

Naturally, these blazing speeds have sparked debate. Unlike Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra, which is explicitly designed for speed enthusiasts, the Han L and Tang L are marketed as practical, family-oriented vehicles. The question is: should a mid-size SUV have supercar-like acceleration?

Online discussions have raised concerns about whether the average driver – say, a parent used to wheeling around in a Toyota RAV4 – can safely handle a machine this powerful. One suggestion is for BYD to introduce a controlled unlocking system for the car’s most aggressive driving modes, similar to Xiaomi’s approach, which requires a practice trial before full power is accessible. Safety must come first, especially when mainstream vehicles start pushing hypercar performance levels.

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BYD’s Super e-Platform: Redefining EV Charging

Beyond speed, BYD is making waves with its new Super e-Platform, which revolutionises battery technology and charging speeds. The updated Han L and Tang L models will be the first to showcase the brand’s latest lithium-iron-phosphate Blade battery, capable of charging at an unprecedented 1000 kW.

For reference, Tesla’s Superchargers max out at 250 kW. BYD’s new system theoretically allows a full charge in just six minutes, thanks to a 10C multiplier that charges at ten times the battery’s rated capacity per hour. Even at 90% charge, the system maintains a whopping 600 kW charging power. BYD is backing this innovation with plans to roll out over 4,000 supercharging stations across China.

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The Price of Innovation

Despite this groundbreaking tech, BYD is keeping prices surprisingly competitive. The Han L starts at approximately AU$56,600 (RMB 270,000), while the Tang L SUV begins at around AU$59,200 (RMB 280,000). Both models come equipped with BYD’s “God’s Eye B” smart driving system, featuring roof-mounted LiDAR for enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.

In addition to the fully electric models, BYD is launching plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions – the Han L DM and Tang L DM – featuring a 536 hp hybrid powertrain. These hybrids, set for release in April, still boast serious performance, with 0–100 km/h times of 3.9 seconds and 4.3 seconds, respectively.

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How BYD is Winning the EV Race

BYD’s rapid rise is no accident. The company has mastered vertical integration, producing its own Blade batteries and semiconductors instead of outsourcing key components like Tesla does. This self-sufficiency allows BYD to keep costs low while maintaining high quality – a strategy that has made it a dominant force in China, the world’s largest EV market.

While Tesla still has the edge in brand appeal and software, it’s facing increasing pressure. Slowing sales, price cuts, and challenges in scaling new models like the Cybertruck have put Tesla on the defensive. Meanwhile, BYD is expanding aggressively into global markets, undercutting competitors and ramping up exports.

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What Does This Mean for Australia?

For Australian EV buyers, BYD’s advancements could signal a new era of affordability and performance. The brand already has a strong presence here with models like the Atto 3 and Seal, and if the Han L and Tang L make their way Down Under, they could offer an unprecedented mix of price, performance, and technology.

But the real game-changer might be the 1000V charging tech. If and when BYD expands its supercharger network beyond China, we could see EV charging times shrink dramatically. Imagine pulling into a service station and fully recharging your car in the time it takes to grab a coffee – that’s the future BYD is promising.