BYD has unveiled a groundbreaking 5-minute fast charging technology, allowing electric vehicles to charge for just 5 minutes and achieve a range of up to 400 kilometers, which is comparable to the refueling efficiency of traditional gasoline vehicles.
The Financial Times reported that this technological breakthrough by BYD puts immense pressure on electric vehicle manufacturers in Europe and the United States, warning that they have limited time to catch up.
In contrast, manufacturers in Europe and the U.S. are lagging significantly in fast charging technology. For instance, Tesla can increase the range by 320 kilometers in 15 minutes at best, while Mercedes’ latest all-electric GLA can add 325 kilometers in just 10 minutes.
Moreover, these companies face challenges due to inadequate grid infrastructure. In contrast, China has utilized smart grid technology and ultra-high voltage transmission systems to overcome the infrastructural barriers to electric vehicle adoption.
The Chinese electric vehicle industry is capturing an increasingly larger share of the global market, compelling European and American manufacturers to accelerate their technological advancements or risk being sidelined in the global competition.
On March 17, BYD held a press conference where CEO Wang Chuanfu announced that the company’s megawatt-level fast charging technology has achieved a peak charging speed of 1 kilometer in just 1 second. This allows the vehicle to cover 400 kilometers with only 5 minutes of charging, effectively addressing a core issue in electric vehicle adoption: lengthy charging times. Following this announcement, the Financial Times highlighted the immense pressure this breakthrough places on European and American manufacturers, even cautioning that “time is running out for U.S. and European manufacturers.”
BYD’s fast charging technology is making waves in the industry not only due to its speed but also because of its leading technological framework. Official data indicates that this technology boasts several innovations: a charging power of 1000 kilowatts, a voltage of 1000V, and a current of up to 1000A. The technological advancements include the use of ultra-high-speed ion channel technology to reduce battery internal resistance, as well as the application of full-temperature control technology and 1500V silicon carbide (SiC) chips to significantly enhance charging efficiency and stability. This achievement elevates electric vehicle charging speeds to unprecedented levels, nearly rivaling the refueling times of gasoline vehicles. Previously, the fastest charging technology was held by CATL with its “Shenxing Plus” battery, which allowed for a 600-kilometer range increase in 10 minutes, still falling short of BYD’s 470 kilometers in just 5 minutes.
In comparison, European and American manufacturers show a clear gap in fast charging capabilities. Currently, Tesla can only achieve a 320-kilometer increase in range in 15 minutes, while the latest all-electric GLA from Mercedes adds 325 kilometers in 10 minutes. This technological disparity indicates that European and American manufacturers are at risk of being overtaken in the fast charging sector.
Moreover, BYD’s technological breakthrough represents not only a significant advancement in the technological landscape but also a substantial challenge to electric vehicle companies in Europe and the U.S. The Financial Times pointed out that these manufacturers are lagging behind in terms of technology, cost, and market acceptance. The delay in fast charging technology makes it difficult for European and American brands to compete with Chinese companies regarding user experience.
In response to the robust rise of Chinese electric vehicles, many European and American countries have adopted protectionist measures. For example, in 2022, the U.S. introduced the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which supports domestic electric vehicle manufacturers through subsidies and imposes high tariffs on imported electric vehicles. Similarly, various European nations are employing high tariffs and technical barriers to deter the entry of Chinese electric vehicle brands.
However, these protectionist policies address only the symptoms, not the root causes. European and American manufacturers are not only grappling with technological gaps but also face challenges due to inadequate grid infrastructure. BYD’s latest megawatt-level fast charging technology places higher demands on the grid, while many regions in Europe and the U.S. have a lower level of grid intelligence, particularly in underdeveloped areas, making it difficult to support the widespread adoption of high-power fast charging technologies.
In contrast, China has addressed the infrastructural challenges of electric vehicle adoption through smart grid and ultra-high voltage transmission technologies. Additionally, BYD has innovatively used “buffer batteries” as part of its supercharging system to alleviate grid pressure through peak and off-peak energy storage. This solution is not only technically advanced but also helps lower operating costs, paving the way for the promotion of megawatt charging technology.
BYD’s success is attributed not only to its technological innovation but also to its comprehensive industry chain integration capability. As the only company globally capable of manufacturing batteries, electric motors, and complete vehicles, BYD enjoys unmatched advantages in technological updates and cost control. In contrast, European and American manufacturers often rely on third-party suppliers within their supply chains, making it challenging to achieve the high level of synergy that BYD has established. This disparity was highlighted by the bankruptcy of Northvolt, a European startup battery company that, despite initial optimism, succumbed to unstable product quality and cost control issues, ultimately declaring bankruptcy in March 2024—a stark example of the dysfunction within the European and American electric vehicle supply chain.
Furthermore, Chinese electric vehicle companies benefit from strong national policy support and a vast domestic market. In recent years, China has propelled the electric vehicle industry through subsidy policies, tax incentives, and infrastructure development while gradually shifting its focus to overseas markets. In 2024, China’s electric vehicle exports surpassed 2 million units for the first time, establishing the country as a leader in global electric vehicle exports.
As companies like BYD continue to advance technologically, the Chinese electric vehicle industry is capturing a larger share of the global market. The core competitive edge of these products lies not only in technology but also in cost advantages and rapid iteration capabilities. This trend has enabled Chinese electric vehicles to expand swiftly in developing markets, while the European and American markets lag due to protectionist policies. Despite efforts to block Chinese electric vehicles through high tariffs and regulatory restrictions, technological advancements and market demand are likely to dismantle these barriers.
The New York Times has noted that the rise of the Chinese electric vehicle industry reflects a shift in the global supply chain’s focus. Moving forward, European and American manufacturers will face a choice: either accelerate their technological advancements or risk marginalization in global competition.
In conclusion, from 5-minute fast charging to a complete industry chain, BYD’s technological breakthrough not only showcases the strength of China’s electric vehicle industry but also poses a comprehensive challenge to European and American manufacturers. In the ongoing technological transformation of the global automotive industry, China is not only a leader in technology but also a reshaper of global market rules. The rise of the Chinese electric vehicle industry may redefine the definition of “great powers.” On the future battlefield of electric vehicles, the dual drivers of technology and market forces could solidify China’s position as a dominant force in the global automotive sector.
