China’s BYD is taking a massive leap in EV charging speed with the introduction of its new 1,000-volt Super E-Platform. With the ability to add up to 249 miles of range in just five minutes, this tech closes one of the final gaps between electric and combustion-powered vehicles. And with plans to roll out thousands of compatible chargers across China, BYD is not just accelerating cars; it’s accelerating the future of electric mobility.
Blazing Speed That Rivals Gas Pumps
While most Western EVs are still limited to 400-volt systems, BYD has jumped far ahead. Its new Super E-Platform enables peak charging speeds of 1,000 kW, something that simply hasn’t existed in consumer vehicles until now. In real-world terms, that means a driver can plug in and gain nearly 250 miles of range in the time it takes to grab a coffee. That’s roughly a mile of range added every second. For context, even the most advanced 800-volt EVs in the West typically max out at 350 kW and rarely sustain it. BYD's move resets expectations, pushing EV tech into territory that rivals the convenience of gas stations.
The Infrastructure Catch-Up
Charging speed is only half the equation. To fully unleash this power, BYD also announced plans to build more than 4,000 ultra-high-speed chargers across China. Founder Wang Chuanfu made the announcement during a live event from BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters. But deploying 1,000 kW stations is a lot more complex than simply plugging in a new unit. These mega chargers require serious infrastructure upgrades, including power grid reinforcements and cooling systems that can handle the energy transfer. That means real-world adoption depends on how fast cities and utilities can keep up.
New EVs With Supercharged Performance
The first vehicles to launch with the Super E-Platform are the new Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. Both start under $40,000 (146,920 AED) and already boast eye-popping specs. The base models feature rear-wheel-drive setups delivering 500 kW, equivalent to 670 horsepower. For drivers seeking maximum power, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants unleash a staggering 810 kW or 1,086 horsepower. These aren’t just quick-charging cars; they’re performance machines aimed at reshaping how drivers view electric mobility; not as a compromise but as an upgrade in both speed and capability.
BYD isn’t just building faster chargers; it’s reshaping the EV game entirely. With supercharged tech, ambitious infrastructure goals, and new performance models to match, the brand is setting the pace for a future that’s not just electric but exhilarating.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
