China's BYD just flipped the electric vehicle charging conversation on its head with a game-changing demonstration that could make EVs more convenient than ever.
In a high-profile test in Beijing, BYD delivered 262 miles of range to its Han L electric sedan in under five minutes using its new Megawatt charging system, as reported by InsideEVs.
That's about the time it takes to fill up with gas, and it could completely reshape how we think about electric cars.
For many people, EV charging still feels like a hassle. But BYD's new tech, built on its proprietary Super e-Platform, might just change that perception.
This 1,000-volt setup, the first of its kind in mass-produced EVs, allows energy to move ultra-fast while staying safe thanks to a redesigned battery and cooling system.
According to InsideEVs, BYD had to build nearly every part of the system in-house, from silicon-carbide power chips to upgraded motors and power distribution components.
It even redesigned the charging plug to make it smaller and easier to handle.
The Han L and its SUV sibling, the Tang L, can also draw power from two fast chargers at the same time, maximizing their charging potential when Megawatt stations aren't available.
"It's nothing less than a game-changer for the entire space," the author wrote.
When charging an EV is as quick and easy as pumping gas, the idea of going electric becomes much more appealing.
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Sign me up 👍 Shorter stops also mean more time on the road for commuters and businesses, and fewer emissions mean cleaner air for everyone.
These faster systems could also help delivery fleets, rideshare drivers, and public transit reduce downtime, saving money and energy.
If you charge at home, the benefits multiply. Adding rooftop solar panels lets you fuel your EV with clean sunshine, cutting costs and pollution at the same time.
Tools such as EnergySage make it easy to compare vetted solar quotes and start saving.
BYD is one of the many companies making a splash. Innovators such as Aptera are working on solar-powered vehicles that barely need to plug in at all.
Startups developing heat-resistant battery backups are also helping ensure that clean energy stays available when people need it most.
Even retailers such as Walmart are adding more chargers to their parking lots, helping everyday drivers power up while they shop.
With more than 500 Megawatt chargers already operating in China and thousands more planned, BYD is showing what's possible.
While it may take some time for this tech to reach the U.S., BYD's five-minute charging breakthrough sets a new bar for what EV drivers everywhere can eventually expect.
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