BYD's Flash Charging EV Tech Adds 400 km Range in Around 5 Minutes

Chinese automaker BYD is closing the gap between electric vehicle charging and traditional refuelling with its new ultra-fast technology. A new video demonstrates one of its EVs gaining nearly 400 km of range in just five minutes, a big step towards making charging as quick as filling up a petrol car.

Real-world videos shared on social media show the system in action, with one clip documenting the company’s flagship Han L sedan charging from 10% to 70% in approximately five minutes at a power output of 746 kW.

The breakthrough is powered by BYD's new Super e-Platform, the first mass-produced "full-domain 1000V high-voltage architecture" for passenger vehicles. It is complemented by the company's "Flash Charging Battery," which sets new records with charging currents of 1000A and a charging rate of 10C.

This combination can deliver up to 1 megawatt (1,000 kW) of charging power, enabling compatible EVs to add 400 km of CLTC driving range in a mere five minutes.

CEO Wang Chuanfu stated the ultimate goal is to eliminate "charging anxiety," a major barrier for many potential EV buyers. The technology is already being deployed in models like the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, which were launched on this new platform.

BYD's ambitions extend beyond China. The company plans to bring its Flash Charging system to Europe and other overseas markets, where the infrastructure for 1000V charging is increasingly available. 

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