BYD Unveils Groundbreaking 10C Ultra-Fast Charging Technology for EVs

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BYD surpasses CATL in market value, unveils major EV charging / Reuters


Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Charging Speeds

BYD (SZ:002594), a leading name in the electric vehicle industry, has introduced its revolutionary 10C ultra-fast charging technology built on the innovative Super-E BEV platform, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicle charging capabilities worldwide. This cutting-edge system allows electric vehicles to gain an impressive 400 kilometers of driving range in just five minutes, a feat that brings EV charging times remarkably close to the convenience of refueling traditional gasoline-powered cars. Scheduled to debut in the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV in April 2025, this ultra-fast charging technology leverages a robust 1,000V and 1,000A architecture, capable of delivering an astonishing 1,000kW of power output. Industry analysts from Bernstein have noted that while this breakthrough may not immediately skyrocket BYD’s sales volumes, it establishes a solid foundation for future electric vehicle model launches and underscores the company’s forward-thinking strategy for widespread adoption of ultra-fast charging infrastructure in the coming years, potentially leading to significant upgrades in its product lineup.

The development of this ultra-fast charging technology for electric vehicles hinges on BYD’s ability to optimize both voltage and current flow, achieved through a synergy of advanced material innovations, meticulous engineering upgrades, and seamless system integration. At the heart of this advancement lies the high-speed lithium-ion channel technology embedded within BYD’s proprietary blade battery, a design that slashes internal resistance by an impressive 50%. This reduction is made possible through a re-engineered electrolyte, optimized microporous separators, and micrometer-level restructuring of electrodes, ensuring the battery can handle rapid power delivery without compromising its structural integrity or longevity. Complementing this is BYD’s next-generation electrical architecture, which incorporates a powerful 1,500V silicon carbide (SiC) chip to maximize high-voltage efficiency, a critical factor in achieving the 10C charging rate that defines this technology. Additionally, the system features a newly designed electric motor capable of exceeding 30,000 rpm, enhanced with specialized coatings and sensors that boost mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and overall energy efficiency, all synchronized by a proprietary algorithm that ensures flawless performance across the Super-E BEV platform.

One of the standout features of BYD’s 10C ultra-fast charging technology is its advanced thermal management system, dubbed the “direct refrigerant” system, which utilizes double-sided, 3D flow channels to double the heat exchange surface area and enhance cooling efficiency by an astounding 90%. This ensures the stability and safety of the 1,000V platform, even under the intense demands of ultra-fast charging, making it a reliable choice for consumers seeking both speed and dependability in their electric vehicles. Importantly, this system allows for rapid power delivery without sacrificing battery lifespan, a common concern with fast-charging technologies. The redesigned blade battery, utilizing lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, boasts a lifecycle 35% longer than its previous generation, offering peace of mind to EV owners who prioritize durability alongside performance. Beyond charging speed, the increase in power output significantly enhances vehicle performance, with the Han L sedan now accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, a marked improvement from its previous 3.7 seconds, and achieving a top speed exceeding 300 km/h compared to the earlier 185 km/h, thanks to an upgraded e-motor delivering peak power of 580kW.

Setting New Standards in EV Performance and Battery Innovation

BYD’s introduction of 10C ultra-fast charging technology positions the company as a trailblazer in the commercialization of advanced EV charging solutions, outpacing competitors and setting a new industry standard. While rivals like CATL currently offer 6C charging technology, capable of adding approximately 200 km of range in five minutes as of their latest launch in September 2024, BYD stands alone as the only automaker and battery manufacturer with 10C charging capabilities in early 2025. This leap forward not only highlights BYD’s technological prowess but also its strategic vision to dominate the electric vehicle fast-charging market. To support this innovation, BYD has ambitious plans to construct over 4,000 megawatt charging stations across China, an initiative aimed at alleviating charging anxiety and accelerating the mass adoption of electric vehicles, as emphasized by company chairman Wang Chuanfu. This extensive ultra-fast charging infrastructure promises to make long-distance travel in EVs as convenient as it is in conventional vehicles, further solidifying BYD’s leadership in the global EV market.

The Super-E BEV platform’s impact extends beyond charging speed, as evidenced by the enhanced performance metrics of the Han L and Tang L models. The Han L sedan, priced at approximately $38,000 in pre-sales, and the Tang L SUV, starting at around $39,500, showcase how this technology translates into real-world benefits for consumers. Live tests have demonstrated the system’s ability to deliver 1 MW of power in just 10 seconds, charging from 7% to 50% in 4.5 minutes, a performance that aligns with the promised 400 km range in five minutes, equating to an impressive charging rate of 2 km per second. The upgraded electric motor, capable of sustaining 524kW at 30,000 rpm, delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 16.4 kW/kg (22 hp/kg) for the Han L, enabling it to perform repeated high-performance accelerations over 70 times without degradation, a testament to the system’s robustness and reliability.

From a technical perspective, achieving a 10C charging rate, where the battery can theoretically be fully charged 10 times in an hour, requires overcoming significant engineering challenges, particularly in heat dissipation and battery stability. BYD’s solution integrates multiple innovations, including the aforementioned thermal management system and silicon carbide chip, which together ensure that the high power levels do not compromise the battery’s long-term health. This is a critical differentiator, as many fast-charging systems in the past have been criticized for accelerating battery wear. BYD’s blade battery, already renowned for its safety and cost-effectiveness due to its LFP chemistry, has been further refined to handle the extreme conditions of ultra-fast charging, making it a cornerstone of the Super-E BEV platform’s success.

In the competitive landscape, BYD’s 10C technology gives it a clear edge over other automakers and battery manufacturers. Tesla’s V4 Superchargers, for instance, currently peak at 500kW, while Li Auto’s 5C chargers reach 520kW, NIO Power tops out at 640kW, and Xpeng’s S5 hits 800kW, according to industry comparisons. None of these rivals match BYD’s 1,000kW output or 10C charging rate, underscoring the company’s lead in this domain. CATL, a formidable competitor in the battery space, has made strides with its 6C technology, but it lags behind BYD’s latest offering, which not only charges faster but also integrates seamlessly into BYD’s own vehicle lineup, giving the company a unique advantage as both an automaker and a battery supplier.

The strategic implications of this technology are profound. Bernstein analysts have highlighted that while immediate sales boosts may be limited, the long-term benefits include positioning BYD for future model launches that can leverage this ultra-fast charging capability, potentially leading to a richer product mix that appeals to performance-oriented and convenience-seeking consumers alike. Moreover, BYD’s market value surpassing CATL’s on March 17, 2025, reflects investor confidence in its technological leadership and growth potential. The planned rollout of thousands of megawatt charging stations further amplifies this advantage, creating an ecosystem where BYD vehicles can fully capitalize on their cutting-edge charging capabilities, a move that competitors will need to scramble to match.

For consumers, the appeal of BYD’s 10C ultra-fast charging technology lies in its ability to transform the EV ownership experience. Range anxiety, a persistent hurdle to EV adoption, is significantly mitigated when a five-minute charge can deliver 400 km of range, making long trips more feasible and spontaneous. Coupled with enhanced vehicle performance, such as the Han L’s blistering acceleration and top speed, this technology caters to both practical and enthusiast drivers, broadening BYD’s market appeal. The extended battery lifespan also addresses concerns about long-term ownership costs, ensuring that the benefits of ultra-fast charging do not come at the expense of durability.

Looking ahead, BYD’s investment in ultra-fast charging infrastructure and technology signals a shift in the EV industry toward speed and convenience as key differentiators. As the only player with 10C capabilities in early 2025, BYD is well-positioned to influence global standards for electric vehicle charging, potentially pressuring competitors to accelerate their own R&D efforts. The combination of innovative battery design, advanced electrical architecture, and robust infrastructure planning makes this a holistic solution that could redefine how electric vehicles are perceived and utilized worldwide, paving the way for a future where EVs dominate the automotive landscape with unmatched efficiency and performance.

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