Electric Car Charges 250 Miles in 5 Minutes, Matching Petrol Refuel Times

BYD’s Game-Changing Charging Tech Aims to Eliminate EV Range Anxiety
(Article condensed to ~600 words)

[Image: BYD’s Han L sedan charging]
Caption: BYD’s new "Super-E Platform" promises 250 miles of range in just 5 minutes.

Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled a breakthrough technology that could revolutionize electric vehicle adoption: a ultra-fast charging system capable of adding 250 miles (400 km) of range in just five minutes. Dubbed the “Super-E Platform,” the 1,000-kilowatt (kW) charger doubles the power of Tesla’s fastest Superchargers, matching the time it takes to refuel a gas car.

As the world’s second-largest EV maker, BYD closed in on Tesla in 2024. This innovation may push it ahead by addressing "range anxiety," a major barrier for potential EV buyers. Speaking at a launch event in Shenzhen, founder Wang Chuanfu (often called “China’s Elon Musk”) declared the era of “oil-electric parity” for refueling times. “Our goal is to make EV charging as quick as filling a petrol tank,” he stated.

[Image: BYD’s Han L and Tang L models]
Caption: The Han L sedan and Tang L SUV are the first models to feature the new charging tech.

Key Features & Pricing

• Speed: Adds ~1.2 miles (2 km) of range per second at peak rates, enabling a full charge in 6 minutes (rated “10C”).
• Battery Tech: Reduced internal resistance and silicon carbide chips minimize heat buildup, allowing 1,000V voltage and 1,000A current.
• Affordability: Priced between ¥270,000–350,000 ($37,300–$48,350), the Han L and Tang L models undercut average EV prices in markets like the UK.

Challenges & Infrastructure

High-speed charging demands robust infrastructure. BYD plans 4,000 “flash-charging” stations across China, but global rollout details remain unclear. The systems require direct grid access and advanced cooling, potentially necessitating new substations.

[Image: BYD founder Wang Chuanfu at the launch event]
Caption: Wang Chuanfu claims the tech achieves “megawatt-level” charging power, an industry first.

Market Impact

Tesla’s shares fell 5.5% post-announcement, compounding a 44% decline in 2025 amid investor concerns over Elon Musk’s political ties. Meanwhile, BYD’s stock hit a record high, signaling confidence in its innovation.

[Image: Tesla Supercharger vs. BYD station]
Caption: Tesla’s Superchargers top out at 500 kW, half BYD’s output.

Why It Matters

A 2024 McKinsey survey found 42% of EV buyers prioritize charging speed, with 60% demanding sub-30-minute charges. BYD’s system smashes these expectations, offering gas-car convenience. If scaled globally, this could accelerate the shift to EVs, further pressuring legacy automakers and rivals like Tesla.

Final Thought
BYD’s leap underscores China’s growing dominance in EV innovation. While hurdles like infrastructure costs remain, the tech brings us closer to an era where “range anxiety” is history.

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