Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has made a significant breakthrough in fast-charging technology, unveiling a system capable of adding 400km (249 miles) of range to its vehicles in just five minutes. This development surpasses Tesla's V4 superchargers, which will peak at 500kW when they roll out this year, with BYD's "Super e-Platform" tech reaching peak speeds of 1,000kW.

The new fast-charging technology is initially available in two new vehicles, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, which start at 270,000 yuan (around $37,330). BYD's founder, Wang Chuanfu, emphasized the company's goal to make charging times as short as refueling times for petrol vehicles, stating that this achievement marks the first time the unit of megawatt has been reached on charging power.

In addition to the technological advancement, BYD has also committed to building over 4,000 ultra-fast chargers across China, although no specific timeframe for the project has been disclosed. This move is notable, given that Reuters reports most BYD owners in China currently rely on other manufacturers' chargers to keep their cars topped up.

This announcement is not the only recent headline-grabbing move from BYD. Earlier this month, the company launched a roof-mounted drone launcher compatible with all of its cars, designed in collaboration with DJI, which allows drones to take off and land at up to 25 km/h. BYD is closing the gap on Tesla, having sold 1.76 million cars in 2024, just behind Tesla's 1.79 million, although 90 percent of those sales have been in China and are led by its hybrid vehicles.

The implications of BYD's fast-charging technology and infrastructure investment are significant, as they have the potential to alleviate range anxiety for electric vehicle owners and accelerate the adoption of EVs in China. As the country continues to be a key market for electric vehicles, BYD's move is likely to have a ripple effect on the industry, pushing other manufacturers to innovate and invest in their own fast-charging technologies.

In the broader context, BYD's announcement highlights the ongoing competition between electric vehicle manufacturers to develop faster, more efficient charging solutions. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, the ability to quickly and conveniently charge vehicles will become an increasingly important factor in the market. BYD's "Super e-Platform" tech and infrastructure investment position the company as a leader in this area, and its impact will likely be felt throughout the industry in the years to come.