China is witnessing another groundbreaking moment akin to the DeepSeek breakthrough, this time with BYD’s revolutionary 5-minute charging technology, potentially posing a significant challenge for Tesla. BYD, China’s leading energy and automotive powerhouse, has unveiled an ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging system that rivals the speed of refueling a traditional gas tank. The company, the largest EV manufacturer in China, revealed on Monday (March 18) that its flash-chargers can fully charge its latest EV models in just five to eight minutes -— comparable to the time it takes to fill up a fuel-powered vehicle. Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s billionaire founder and CEO, emphasized that this Shenzhen-based company’s new charging technology can deliver approximately 470 kilometers (292 miles) of range in a mere five minutes for BYD’s proprietary EV batteries.
This advancement suggests that BYD may have surpassed competitors like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz in the race for superior fast-charging technology, though its system’s success depends on factors such as adequate voltage at charging stations. BYD—short for “Build Your Dreams”—has launched pre-sales for its upgraded Han L and Tang L models, building on the success of their predecessors.
Following the announcement, Tesla’s stock took a hit, while BYD Co’s shares soared to a record high. This charging breakthrough marks yet another setback for Tesla, a company whose lofty valuation hinges on its ability to innovate relentlessly and maintain a competitive edge.
What is BYD’s new charging tech
Originally a battery manufacturer, BYD has honed its expertise in battery and energy storage solutions while growing into a global automotive force. The company claims its 1-megawatt flash chargers can provide nearly 250 miles of range in five minutes. According to Wang Chuanfu, achieving such rapid charging speeds requires ultra-high voltage and substantial current capacity.
“Our goal is to eliminate charging anxiety entirely by making EV charging as fast as refueling a gas vehicle,” Wang stated.
BYD also highlighted that its flash-charging system leverages self-developed silicon carbide power chips, capable of handling voltage levels up to 1,500V. Industry analyst Michael Dunne recently noted that BYD’s Blade lithium-iron phosphate battery—considered one of the safest and most efficient EV batteries globally—is even used by Tesla in some of its models. In 2024, BYD produced over 4.3 million “new energy vehicles,” a 41% increase from the previous year, including 1.8 million battery electric vehicles and 2.5 million plug-in hybrids.
Why charging tech matters for EVs
As competition intensifies among EV and battery manufacturers, the push for faster charging infrastructure has become critical. This is partly driven by consumer concerns about range limitations and charging times compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. While slow charging and limited range have historically hindered the transition from gas and diesel cars to EVs, Chinese drivers have embraced the shift, with sales of battery-powered and hybrid vehicles surging 40% last year.
What BYD’s “Super e-Platform” means for Tesla and beyond
BYD’s “Super e-Platform” technology boasts a peak charging capacity of 1,000kW—double that of Tesla’s forthcoming V4 Superchargers, which will max out at 500kW upon their 2025 rollout. This advanced charging capability debuts in the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, with starting prices around 270,000 yuan ($37,330).
These developments intensify pressure on domestic competitors as well as global players like Tesla and Volkswagen, both of which have seen their market share erode amid China’s EV boom. In the first two months of 2025, BYD captured roughly 27% of China’s EV production, selling over 405,000 vehicles, according to Automobility, a Shanghai-based consultancy. The company commands an 18% share of the pure battery EV market and a dominant 56% of the plug-in hybrid segment.
What may hurt BYD
Despite its strides, BYD isn’t without vulnerabilities. Analyst Michael Dunne pointed out that the 2024 JD Power China New Energy Vehicle Initial Quality Study ranked BYD’s Seal and Song Plus models at the bottom, signaling potential quality concerns that could temper its momentum.
