The race to faster charging just got serious. Long charging times have been the bane of EVs' existence for a long time now. And while some have embraced the 30-minute wait, the broader market still sees EV charging as a deterrent, especially compared to the quick pit stops to fuel up internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. But that barrier might not hold much longer, at least in China.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)

BYD has revealed that their new battery is capable of adding 440km of range in under six minutes of charging, Arstechnica reports, thanks to 1k kilowatt (kW) chargers. To put things in perspective, the most powerful Tesla Superchargers max out at 250kW, and even Electrify America’s latest fast chargers top out at 350kW. The fastest charging tech used in professional motorsports, such as Formula E, reaches only 600 kW. BYD’s latest ‘super e-platform’ is pushing the boundaries with a megawatt class charging system.

How does this work? Charging at 10C means the battery can be charged in one tenth of an hour without degradation — something previously unheard of in passenger EVs. The key lies in advanced thermal management, high performance electrolytes, and improved anode materials, allowing for rapid energy transfer without overheating.

The catch? It’s exclusive to the automaker’s home country. For now, BYD is only launching this technology in China, alongside their upcoming Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. The company also plans to release 4k megawatt class chargers across the country.

What about other markets? While BYD sells EVs globally, its footprint in the US remains limited to batteries and electric buses — which won’t be changing anytime soon, especially since lawmakers in both camps have been pushing to block Chinese EV makers from entering the US on national security and economic grounds. Which means US consumers may have to wait for domestic or European automakers to license or replicate the tech.

The bigger picture: BYD might want to rethink their rollout tactic as new players improve on their own charging speeds. Tesla has been teasing a next gen Supercharger V4 that will reach 500kW. Nissan is joining Ford, BMW, and Honda in developing ChargeScape, to improve EV charging, integrate smart grid tech, and enable vehicle to grid (V2G) charging to cut costs and boost grid stability.

Still deliberating whether or not investing in an EV is the right move? Check out our guides on the benefits and challenges of owning an EV, and what to look for to make an informed decision at the dealership.

Tags: