BYD’s ultra-fast charging technology • EVreporter

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BYD recently launched the Super e-Platform consisting of:

• 1000kW capable battery system with 10C charging

• Latest Silicon Carbide (SiC) Power Chips to support high voltage

BYD has introduced a Megawatt Flash Charger that can deliver power up to 1360 kW.

However, the BMS of recently launched Han L EV and Tang L EV limits the charging power to 1000 kW. This indicates that more EVs are expected to be launched in the future with the capability to utilize Megawatt flash chargers, and some may even support charging at power levels exceeding 1000 kW.

While discussing the fast charging technology launched by BYD, one must first understand that it’s not about using a fast charger (1000kW or Megawatt charger); it is about the battery’s capability to accept a 1000kW charge for a continuous period of 5 minutes to enable 400 km and 370 km range worth of energy to be added to the battery in just five minutes in Han L EV (Sedan) and Tang L EV (SUV), respectively.

Although a 400 km range is considered under CLTC conditions, it would be more like 300 km in real-world driving conditions and varies depending on driving style, speed, operation temperature and power/energy used by in-vehicle accessories. Hence, it must be understood that not all BYD electric cars are compatible with the concept of a 400 km range add in five minutes.

1000kW is equal to 100,000W power, which is 1000V multiplied with 1000A.

This also suggests that this level of fast charging is possible only with EVs with a high-voltage battery platform. Smaller EVs of BYD working on 400V architecture will not be compatible with this charging system, and hence they must be upgraded to a higher voltage in future if they want to be fast-charged.

BYD launched Han L EV and Tang L EV with 4WD variants using 810 kW (1086 hp) dual motors for acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in under 3 seconds and 4 seconds, and top speeds of 305 kmph and 287.4 kmph, respectively. The front motor (230kW) can go up to 21,500 rpm, and the rear motor (580kW) can go above 30,500 rpm.

It is expected that BYD will deploy over 4000 Megawatt chargers across China, with the first batch of deployment planned in April 2025 to support the market launch of the two new EVs. This only indicates that BYD will launch more EVs in future compatible with Megawatt chargers. The idea behind Megawatt charger deployment is to enable EV charging in as much time as it takes to refuel an ICE vehicle, which enables EV users to worry less about charging time and range anxiety.

Today, Tesla’s recently upgraded V4 charger allows for up to 500kW maximum power and BYD’s Megawatt flash charger can deliver more than twice that.

1000 kW power is equivalent to powering more than 300 houses with a 3 kW connected load per house. BYD will deploy Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in areas where the local grid is incapable of supplying enough power. The ESS would charge from the grid when the chargers are not in use and discharge to provide complementary power to charge the EVs.

BYD demonstrated its Megawatt Flash Charger. In 5 minutes, Han L EV went from 5% to 63.16% SoC and the estimated range went from 35.05 km to 442.75 km.

It is expected that Han L EV can fully charge from 0 to 100% in 20 minutes. It is a well-known fact that fast charging a battery shortens its life, and hence, these EVs are expected to have a robust cooling system to manage the heat generated during ultra-fast charging.

Han L EV uses an 83.212 kWh battery pack, and Tang L EV uses a 100.531 kWh battery pack; both use BYD’s second-generation LFP blade cells.

BYD’s second-generation LFP blade cells have been awaited for long, with an expectation of higher energy density, faster charging, lower cost and longer lifespan. Han L EV and Tang L EV seem to be the first set of vehicles deployed with them. These cells are expected to be launched in two variants, one with high energy density and slower charging speed and another with low energy density and faster charging speed.

Also read: BYD SEAL bookings open in India | Prices starting at INR 41 lakh