AsianFin -- China’s auto and energy giant BYD has introduced an ultra-fast EV charging system that it claims can fully charge its latest electric vehicles in just five to eight minutes—comparable to the time needed to refuel a gasoline car.
BYD, the country’s largest EV manufacturer, announced plans on Monday to deploy over 4,000 of these high-speed charging stations across China. The breakthrough aims to address a key concern limiting EV adoption—charging times and range constraints—though Chinese consumers have already embraced the transition, with battery-powered and hybrid vehicle sales surging 40% last year.
The announcement appeared to impact Tesla, as the U.S. EV maker’s stock dropped 4.8% on Monday. Meanwhile, BYD also launched pre-sales of its upgraded Han L and Tang L models, reinforcing its push for innovation in the EV sector.
Originally a battery manufacturer, BYD has leveraged its expertise to refine battery and energy storage technologies while expanding its global automotive footprint. The company’s new 1-megawatt flash chargers can reportedly provide 400 kilometers (nearly 250 miles) of range in just five minutes, marking a significant step forward in EV charging efficiency.
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