Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD recently unveiled its ‘Super e-Platform’, an ultra-rapid charger that ‘sets a new benchmark for charging in the passenger vehicle market’, according to Rho Motion.
The Super e-Platform is capable of reaching charging speeds of 1,000 kW (1 MW), while also boasting a max voltage capacity of 1,000V, higher than the current 400V and 800V platforms currently used.
Faster charging speeds
Rho Motion’s Charging Monthly Database indicates that charging speeds for EVs have been getting faster, year-on-year, increasing by 63% over the last five years, in line with manufacturers releasing vehicles with faster peak DC charging speeds.
The fastest model available in China currently is Zeekr’s 009, which has a max power of 560 kW, however BYD’s new Han L and Tang L models, which are due for release in April 2025, will exceed this.
‘Although BYD has jumped ahead of many other manufacturers, considering the market movements it was only a matter of time before the 1 MW milestone was reached in passenger cars,’ Rho Motion said.
Charging infrastructure
As of 2024, 90% of all the vehicles sold in China have maximum DC charging speeds of less than 200 kW, and the majority of China’s charging infrastructure reflects this.
However, BYD has announced plans to build more than 4,000 charging stations capable of 1 MW charging, integrating energy storage systems with these facilities to allow 1 MW charging in locations that have limited power capacity.
‘Megawatt charging is increasingly being deployed across the bus and truck sectors, enabling faster and more efficient charging for heavy-duty electric vehicles,’ Rho Motion added. ‘As this technology gains traction in commercial transport, it will move towards the passenger vehicle market.
‘With one passenger vehicle manufacturer now offering megawatt charging capabilities, it is expected other automakers will also follow suit, however the pace at which this will happen remains to be seen.’ Read more here.
