BYD has unveiled its Super e-Platform, a new electric vehicle (EV) system that promises ultra-fast charging speeds.
BYD claims its new platform can add two kilometres of range per second, with a five-minute 'flash charge' providing 400km of driving range. The Super e-Platform operates on a 1,000-volt system and it allows for charging speeds that match traditional petrol or diesel refuelling times. The platform's upgraded motor, battery and electronic controls allow it to handle a megawatt (1,000kW) of charging power. BYD says this makes it the fastest-charging EV system currently available.
Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Group, said the new technology would help to wipe out the biggest remaining 'pain point' for electric-vehicle users. “To completely eliminate users' charging anxiety, our goal is to make EV charging as fast as refuelling a gasoline car - achieving 'oil-electric parity' in charging speed.”
Which BYD models will get this tech?
BYD has two upcoming models, the Han L and Tang L (currently only planned for the Chinese market), which will be capable of reaching speeds of over 300km/h and be powered by a 580kW electric motor (that's 788hp).
Are there any public chargers capable of this?
To support these charging speeds, BYD is also planning to roll out its own network of high-power charging stations. The company has developed a liquid-cooled megawatt charging terminal capable of delivering 1,360kW in total and plans to build more than 4,000 stations across China.
BYD has also introduced a 'dual-gun charging' system to boost current fast chargers to ultra-fast speeds for EV drivers using existing public chargers. The company says this will improve charging convenience at standard public stations.
There's no word yet on whether the system will be available in Europe, but we'll keep you posted.