900 Miles in 12 Minutes

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has stunned the auto industry once again by introducing a megawatt-charging system capable of adding up to 900 miles of range in just 12 minutes. This major breakthrough brings the convenience of EV charging much closer to that of refueling a traditional gasoline car.

The new technology powers BYD’s Super e Platform and supports ultra-fast charging at 1,000 kW (1 megawatt), delivering as much as 2 kilometers of range per second at peak performance.

During live demonstrations with its Han L and Tang L models, BYD showcased the system’s ability to add 400 kilometers (around 250 miles) of range in just five minutes. This performance illustrates how quickly BYD is progressing toward its goal of 900-mile ultra-fast charging.

BYD’s Technical Power Behind the Speed

Several key innovations are behind BYD’s record-breaking charging speeds. The company has upgraded its Blade LFP battery chemistry by adding new electrolytes and stronger separators, allowing it to support ultra-fast 10C charging rates and safely handle 1,000-amp currents without overheating.

To deal with the heat and mechanical stress from such high power levels, BYD uses liquid-cooled charging cables and a silicon carbide power module that operates at 1,500 volts. The Super e Platform also supports a powerful 580 kW motor capable of spinning at 30,000 rpm, showing how BYD is advancing performance on both the charging and driving fronts.

At the same time, BYD is rapidly expanding its infrastructure in China. The company plans to install over 4,000 megawatt-class flash chargers, with 500 set to go live in the first phase. This large-scale rollout aims to ease range anxiety and make long-distance EV travel more practical. Through these efforts, BYD is reinforcing its position as a global leader in fast electric vehicle charging.

Market Impact and Competitive Pressure

This breakthrough is already making waves in global markets. Following the announcement, BYD’s stock saw an uptick, reflecting investor confidence. The company’s Q4 earnings also showed a 73% increase in net income, driven largely by innovation. Meanwhile, CATL, another major Chinese battery manufacturer, unveiled its own fast-charging tech capable of adding over 300 miles in just five minutes, further strengthening China’s position as a global leader in EV technology.

Despite this progress, BYD still faces significant challenges internationally. Many countries lack the infrastructure required for megawatt-level charging. Without high-capacity grid support and specialized components, adopting this technology outside of China remains slow. Additionally, while BYD’s LFP batteries are known for their heat resistance, there’s still no long-term data confirming how well they hold up under repeated ultra-fast charging.

What Comes Next for BYD and EV Adoption

This milestone signals a future where charging an electric vehicle could be as fast and convenient as refueling a gas car. But for that vision to become reality, global infrastructure needs to advance quickly. Power grids must be upgraded, and automakers will have to redesign vehicles to handle megawatt-level charging.

With working prototypes like the Han L and Tang L already showcased, BYD is preparing for rapid expansion. Its next major targets are expected to be Europe, North America, and other markets that are ready to adopt next-generation EV technology.