BYD launches 1000kW electric car charging technology, just the time it takes to fill a gas tank

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle giant, has just announced a revolutionary super-fast charging system that can charge electric vehicles in the same time it takes to fill a gas tank. The company also confirmed plans to build its own network of charging stations in China.

The new Super e-Platform is capable of charging at a peak power of up to 1000kW, more than double that of current fast charging systems. BYD claims it only takes 5 minutes to replenish a range of 400km, a major step forward in eliminating concerns about long charging times for electric vehicles.

This super-fast charging technology was introduced by BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu at an online event at the Shenzhen headquarters on March 17, 2025. Stella Li - Director of BYD Europe also confirmed that this system will be deployed in the UK in the future.

So how does this charger work?

To achieve this charging speed, BYD has developed a series of advanced technologies in its new generation electric vehicle architecture:

• The battery supports a 10C charging rate, which means it can charge at 10 times the battery capacity per hour.
• High power motor, helps optimize charging efficiency
• High voltage silicon carbide chip, improve energy conversion ability
• The charger supports up to 1000kW of power, minimizing waiting time.

Will BYD take the lead in the electric vehicle charging race?

According to Reuters, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are using fast charging technology as a competitive advantage, contributing to the popularity of electric vehicles in the domestic market. BYD asserts that with a charging capacity of 1000kW, every second a car can add 2km (1.2 miles) to the travel distance.

This charger has a compact design, occupies only 1.5m² and is equipped with two charging ports per station, optimizing simultaneous charging for multiple vehicles.

Fast charging - the advantage that helps BYD surpass its competitors?

With its superior fast charging technology, BYD is taking the lead in the electric vehicle market, far surpassing the Tesla Supercharger V4 (500kW). The significantly faster charging speed can help the Chinese automaker gain an advantage in the global electric vehicle race, solving the biggest barrier for users, which is the long charging time.

“Megawatt charging technology will be available in the UK,” said Stella Li. “We have two models that support it now, but the charging network will take a few more years to roll out.”

Currently, BYD’s UK range – the Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal and Seal U – still uses the e-Platform 3.0 platform, which supports an 82.5kWh battery with a maximum charging capacity of 150kW. However, BYD has committed to launching 13 new models in Europe over the next 18 months, all with super-fast charging technology.

The first two models equipped with the 1000kW Hypercharger are the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, expected to launch in China in late 2025.