Megawatt charging is go — BYD tests 1,500k W network that can add 249 miles of EV range in just 5 minutes | Tech Radar

Overview

Megawatt charging is go — BYD tests 1,500k W network that can add 249 miles of EV range in just 5 minutes

Supersonic charging speeds are on the horizon for EV owners

Details

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BYD has been testing a new 1,500k W flash charging network in China

Images have surfaced from Shenzhen, China, where BYD is busy testing its megawatt EV charging infrastructure with select owners.

The 'Flash Charging' network, which is capable of delivering 1,500k W to compatible electric vehicles, is more than three times faster than some of the most potent rapid and ultra-rapid charging outlets found in North America, Europe and beyond. It's reportedly possible to add 249 miles of range in only five minutes.

Car News China revealed images of the test hub in use. Only BYD cars are currently making use of the innovative, liquid-cooled charging guns and T-shaped gantries that allow several owners to pull up at once, charge quickly and move on, without the need to park up for extended periods of time.

This new EV has the world's longest range, according to BYD's luxury brand Denza

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In fact, BYD’s hub looks more like a traditional gas or filling station, which makes sense given that the 1,500k W outlets have already been touted to play nicely with the next generation of BYD’s range-topping Han, Tang, and other flagship models — all capable of adding almost 250 miles of range in under five minutes.

According to Car News China, the test hub is open to any domestic BYD vehicle wearing a Flash Charge badge, which includes a number of Denza models, too. Users simply roll up, plug in and either the vehicle's infotainment system or a dedicated Android Flash Charging app handles the payment procedure.

What’s more, pricing at the demo site was reportedly shown as 1.3 yuan per k Wh, or roughly

This equates to around a

Car News China claims that earlier reporting indicates BYD may target over 4,000 self-operated flash charging stations in China, with broader co-operation networks potentially exceeding 15,000 locations in the country in the coming years.

News also broke this week that Tesla has listed 64 new US 'Megacharger' locations to support its growing fleet of all-electric Semi trucks.

Capable of delivering over 1.2 megawatts of power, these specific outlets can charge a Semi truck to 60% in around 30 minutes, with the proposed placement of the chargers creating usable corridors for electrified heavy goods vehicles to effectively operate coast-to-coast.

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However, Tesla has been relatively slow to play catch-up when it comes to consumer EV technology, as the V4 Superchargers reportedly deployed in China already are able to support up to 500k W peak power for passenger vehicles.

If the leaked charging statistics from BYD’s latest Flash Charging hubs are correct, it already puts the company at two or three-times faster than Tesla’s cutting edge charging tech.

What's more, Tesla's failing Cybertruck is currently the only vehicle in the line-up capable of charging at speeds of anywhere near the proposed 500k W output.

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Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

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Key Takeaways

• Megawatt charging is go — BYD tests 1,500k W network that can add 249 miles of EV range in just 5 minutes

• Supersonic charging speeds are on the horizon for EV owners

• When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

• BYD has been testing a new 1,500k W flash charging network in China

• Images have surfaced from Shenzhen, China, where BYD is busy testing its megawatt EV charging infrastructure with select owners