Chinese Company Unveils Electric Car That Charges in Just 5 Minutes

BYD

BYD Introduces Megawatt Charging Technology and Plans Thousands of Stations

BYD has unveiled a breakthrough charging technology that could fundamentally change how electric vehicles are used. The Chinese automaker revealed a new megawatt-class charging platform capable of delivering up to 1,000 kW (1 MW) of peak charging power — a level that brings EV charging times close to traditional gasoline refueling.

According to BYD founder Wang Chuanfu, the new system can add up to 400 kilometers (249 miles) of driving range in just five minutes. This announcement marks one of the most ambitious steps yet in the global race to eliminate long charging stops.


First Models: Han L and Tang L

The first vehicles designed to support this ultra-fast charging technology will be the newly announced BYD Han L sedan and BYD Tang L SUV. These models will be built on BYD’s next-generation electric architecture, optimized for extreme charging speeds and high-voltage operation.

Key Charging Claim

  • Up to 400 km of range

  • ~5 minutes of charging

  • Peak charging power: 1,000 kW

If real-world performance matches these figures, BYD would leap ahead of current fast-charging benchmarks in the EV industry.

BYD
BYD

BYD to Build Over 4,000 Ultra-Fast Charging Stations

To support the new technology, BYD also announced — for the first time — plans to build its own large-scale charging network.

Charging Network Plans

BYD did not disclose a rollout timeline or the total investment required. For now, most BYD owners still rely on third-party infrastructure, including public chargers and competitor-operated networks.

BYD
BYD

China’s “Charging Race” Intensifies

China has been at the center of what many call the global charging arms race. While Tesla has been expanding its Supercharger network since 2014, local brands have moved aggressively in recent years.

Major players investing heavily in charging infrastructure include:

  • Nio

  • Li Auto

  • XPeng

  • Zeekr

Fast charging is increasingly seen as the key factor for mass EV adoption, reducing downtime on long trips and making electric cars more practical for everyday drivers.

byd news 4


Why Megawatt Charging Matters

Ultra-fast charging at the megawatt level could remove one of the biggest psychological barriers to EV adoption: waiting time. If drivers can recharge in roughly the same time it takes to refuel a combustion car, electric vehicles become far easier to accept — especially for long-distance travel and commercial use.

However, major challenges remain:

  • Grid capacity and stability

  • Heat management at extreme charging speeds

  • Battery longevity under repeated ultra-fast charging

BYD claims its new platform addresses these issues, but real-world validation will be critical.


Conclusion: A Potential Turning Point for EVs

With its 1 MW charging technology, upcoming Han L and Tang L models, and plans for thousands of proprietary charging stations, BYD is signaling that it wants to lead not only in vehicle production but also in EV infrastructure.

If the technology delivers on its promises, five-minute charging could become the new benchmark — and the electric car era may finally reach true parity with gasoline vehicles.

BYD has revealed megawatt-level EV charging technology capable of adding 400 km of range in just five minutes. The breakthrough will debut on the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, supported by a new network of over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China, intensifying the global race for faster EV charging.

EV Expert

EV Expert

Daniel Mercer is an independent electric mobility expert specializing in electric vehicles, battery technology, and sustainable transport systems.

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