BYD Launches 1,000 kW EV Charging System, Challenges Tesla

BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has unveiled a revolutionary charging system capable of delivering peak power of 1,000 kilowatts, a technology that promises to charge an electric vehicle (EV) in just five minutes. The announcement, made during a livestream event from BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters on Monday, positions the company to contend aggressively in the growing EV market.

Founder Wang Chuanfu highlighted that with this new charging infrastructure, drivers can expect to travel approximately 400 kilometers (249 miles) after a five-minute charge, a significant leap forward in eliminating charging times comparable to traditional fuel refilling. BYD’s shares surged 4.1% on Tuesday, reaching a record high of 408.80 Hong Kong dollars, indicating strong investor confidence in the company’s future.

The new system, referred to as the “flash-charging” infrastructure, aims to address persistent concerns over charging times that have hindered broader EV adoption. Tesla‘s superchargers currently provide up to 500 kW, making BYD’s system double the speed, a critical advantage in a competitive market.

“To completely solve users’ anxiety over charging, our pursuit is to make the charging time for EVs as short as the refueling time for fuel vehicles,” Wang stated. The company plans to deploy over 4,000 of these fast-charging stations throughout China, though specific timelines and investment details remain undisclosed.

BYD, which began its journey as a battery manufacturer in 1995 before entering the automotive sector in 2003, has rapidly ascended to become a leader in the global EV landscape. In 2024, BYD reportedly became the second-largest producer of battery electric vehicles worldwide, slightly surpassing Tesla, although it also sells hybrid models that pair electric and gasoline powertrains.

In recent months, Tesla has faced significant challenges, including a sharp decline in stock value attributed to its CEO Elon Musk’s controversial activities and missed production targets. Analysts point to rising competition from more affordable EV models—including those from BYD—as problematic for Tesla.

Tesla’s stock slumped 5.5% on Tuesday, adding to a broader slide that has seen its valuation drop by 44% in 2025. The U.S. automaker is facing mounting pressure from investors to fulfill promises of producing autonomous vehicles that Musk has touted for nearly a decade.

BYD’s new charging architecture will first be integrated into its upcoming Han L sedan and Tang L SUV models, with prices starting around 270,000 yuan (approximately $37,330). These models exemplify BYD’s commitment to not only enhancing vehicle performance but also ensuring that the supporting infrastructure matches evolving consumer needs.

“This is the first time in the industry that the unit of megawatt has been achieved on charging power,” Wang added, emphasizing the technological breakthrough. Experts in the automotive sector, such as analyst Michael Dunne, praise BYD’s battery technology, particularly its Blade lithium-iron phosphate battery, noted for its safety and efficiency.

While BYD is making notable strides, it also faces challenges. JD Power’s 2024 China New Energy Vehicle Initial Quality Study highlighted quality concerns with certain BYD models. Nevertheless, the company’s focus on fast-charging technology signals its intention to maintain a leading edge in the fast-evolving market.

The race to develop faster and more efficient EV charging solutions is intensifying, and BYD’s latest innovation is a significant step towards making electric vehicles a more practical option for everyday consumers.