TLDR
- BYD unveiled “Super e-Platform” technology allowing EVs to charge for 470km range in just 5 minutes
- BYD shares surged to record highs, jumping 6% before settling at 4.1% higher
- The new technology features 1000kW charging speeds, double Tesla’s 500kW Superchargers
- BYD plans to build 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China to support the technology
- Chinese EV market competition is intensifying with BYD’s February sales up 161% while Tesla’s Chinese sales fell 49%
BYD shares reached an all-time high on Tuesday following the company’s announcement of groundbreaking fast-charging technology. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer unveiled its “Super e-Platform” system that promises to revolutionize EV charging times.
The new technology enables vehicles to travel up to 470 kilometers (292 miles) after being plugged in for just five minutes. This represents a major advancement in addressing one of the biggest concerns for potential EV buyers.
BYD founder Wang Chuanfu stated the technology aims to “fundamentally solve users’ charging anxiety.” He emphasized the company’s goal is “to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refueling time of fuel vehicles.”
The announcement sent BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares soaring more than 6% in morning trading. The stock later settled at 4.1% higher by the close of trading.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index ended the session up 2.5% on the same day. BYD stock has jumped 51% in 2025 as investors bet on a rebound in China’s economy.
The Super e-Platform boasts peak charging speeds of 1,000 kilowatts. This is double the capacity of Tesla’s Superchargers, which currently offer charging speeds of 500 kilowatts.
Tesla’s system takes double the time
Tesla’s system requires approximately 10 minutes for a comparable charge. The difference represents a significant competitive advantage for BYD in the fast-growing EV market.
BYD introduced the technology alongside two new EV models. The Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV will be the first vehicles to feature the Super e-Platform system.
Both models are scheduled to go on sale next month. The timing gives BYD an opportunity to capitalize on its technological advantage quickly.
The Shenzhen-based company also announced plans to build more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China. This infrastructure expansion will support the new technology and make it accessible to more drivers.
Tesla currently has about 12,000 charging points in China. BYD’s expansion represents a significant investment in charging infrastructure.
The timing of BYD’s announcement comes amid impressive growth for the company. February sales soared 161 percent to more than 318,000 electric vehicles.
Tesla sales decline in Chinese market
During the same period, Tesla experienced a steep 49 percent sales decline in the Chinese market. This divergence highlights the shifting competitive landscape in China’s EV sector.
BYD sold approximately 4.3 million cars from its plants in China in 2024. About 1.8 million were all-electric vehicles, with the remainder being plug-in hybrids.
The company’s best-selling all-electric car is the low-priced Seagull. It sold about 530,000 units in 2024, according to Citi analyst Jeff Chung.
By comparison, Tesla sold about 920,000 cars from its Shanghai plant in 2024. Approximately 560,000 of these were Model Ys.
The two EV manufacturers have experienced contrasting fortunes in 2025. While BYD has seen its stock price surge 51%, Tesla’s shares have slumped 41%.
Analysts attribute Tesla’s decline partly to concerns that CEO Elon Musk’s political activities may be alienating potential buyers in North America and Europe. Meanwhile, BYD continues to strengthen its position in its home market.
Explosive growth
The Chinese electric vehicle market has witnessed explosive growth in recent years. However, it has also seen fierce competition among domestic car manufacturers.
Other Chinese EV makers are also reporting strong results. XPeng announced it expects deliveries to surge more than 300 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025.
XPeng projects deliveries of 91,000 to 93,000 vehicles for the quarter. The company reported total revenue growth of 33 percent in 2024, reaching $5.6 billion.
In a separate development, Chinese EV maker Nio signed a deal with battery giant CATL. The agreement involves cooperation on a passenger car battery swap network.
The partnership will see CATL invest up to 2.5 billion yuan ($346 million) in Nio’s battery swap network. Battery swapping offers an alternative solution to range anxiety, though it requires extensive infrastructure development.
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