BYD Unveils New Charging Technology to Make Charging as Fast as Refueling

[PCauto] On March 17, BYD held a launch event for its Super e-Platform Technology, officially introducing its 1000V high-voltage charging technology aimed at achieving "charging as fast as refueling." During the event, BYD showcased the Han L EV and Tang L EV, managing to boost the Tang L EV’s charge from 5% to 61% in just five minutes, extending its range from 53 kilometers to 410 kilometers.

The electric systems in the newly announced Han L and Tang L utilize 1000V high-voltage technology, which significantly surpasses the industry-standard 400V and 800V setups. According to electrical principles, as voltage increases while power remains fixed, the current decreases. Based on Joule's law, the heat generated is proportional to the square of the current, meaning that higher voltage effectively reduces heat loss, creating favorable conditions for rapid charging. Therefore, BYD's 1000V high-voltage technology allows for charging power and a substantial current of 1000A, enabling charging power to reach an impressive 1000kW—far exceeding Tesla's V4 Supercharger, which offers 500kW.

Achieving a charging power of 1000kW requires not only compatible charging stations but also the vehicle itself. The Han L and Tang L models feature 8C ultra-fast charging batteries, where "C" denotes the charging rate. For a battery capacity of 100kWh, 8C means it can support 800kW of charging power.

BYD’s 8C charging-rated battery surpasses CATL’s Kirin Battery at 5C and Geely’s Golden Battery at 5.5C, allowing for rapid replenishment of energy in a short time and enhancing charging speed by 60%.

To popularize this charging technology, BYD plans to construct a vast network of 1000V charging stations. Initially, 1000kW liquid-cooled supercharging stations will be established at 4S dealerships in China, each equipped with an 800kW charging gun and a 225kWh energy storage cabinet, giving consumers an opportunity to experience ultra-fast charging and directly appreciate the improvements in charging efficiency.

Meanwhile, the supercharging station at BYD's headquarters in Shenzhen has entered a trial operation phase, with plans to extend charging facilities to highways, commercial areas, and other public zones across China. Additionally, the company will leverage AI technology to dynamically manage grid loads, mitigating high-power charging impacts on the grid while reducing electricity costs.

As mentioned earlier, during the launch event, the Han L EV and Tang L EV were made available for pre-sale, with starting prices set at RM166,973 and RM173,158 respectively. Both vehicles are equipped with BYD's latest Super e-Platform and DiPilot 300 technology, incorporating cutting-edge features that showcase significant product competitiveness. Following their anticipated launch in April, they are expected to secure a foothold in the premium new energy vehicle market.

BYD’s objective with the 1000V high-voltage charging technology is to address the slow charging issue faced by electric vehicles. The company believes that a range of 500 kilometers is sufficient for most long-distance drivings, while lengthy charging times remain a major barrier for consumers considering electric vehicles. In the upcoming period, BYD plans to invest 3 billion RMB in China to establish 4,000 supercharging stations, each equipped with a 200kWh energy storage battery to stabilize charging speeds.