Chinese carmaker BYD claims to have developed an electric vehicle platform that enables drivers to charge their EVs in the time it takes to refuel a petrol-powered car, leaving other manufacturers in their dust.
According to BYD, their latest cars can charge at up to 2 kilometers of range per second, or 400km, in just five minutes. Despite the typical range of EVs now far exceeding the average driving distance, “charging anxiety” is still a concern among potential buyers.
The Super e-Platform uses the revolutionary BYD lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) Blade battery, which combines lower internal resistance for faster charging with greater thermal and chemical stability for safety and longer life. The latest version of the Blade is capable of 10 charging cycles per hour.
The platform also comprises a next-generation, automotive-grade silicon carbide power chip with a voltage rating of up to 1500V, the highest in the motor industry, and a 30,000 rpm motor, higher speed but lower size and weight for greater power density.
BYD is beginning the installation of a network of 1,000kW hyperchargers across China, although drivers in other territories may have to wait a while to see them.
