Chinese automotive innovator BYD has recently launched an advanced battery system that promises to charge from 10% to 70% in just five minutes, with a full charge taking about nine minutes. This remarkable charging speed could alleviate the traditional concerns surrounding electric vehicle (EV) charging times, an area where internal combustion engines have previously held an advantage. Remarkably, even in frigid conditions (-4˚ F or -20˚ C), the new battery can go from 20% to 97% in under 12 minutes, according to BYD.
This cutting-edge battery pack, named the Blade Battery 2.0, will first appear in the Yangwang U7, a luxurious full-size sedan. However, there is an important stipulation: to achieve these impressive charging speeds, the vehicle must be paired with BYD's new Flash Charging EV chargers.
BYD is banking on this innovative charging technology to enhance its market appeal and gain a competitive edge amid a rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, particularly as other Chinese manufacturers introduce their own advancements. Once a favored investment of Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway, BYD has transformed into a leading force in the EV market, although it has recently experienced a decline in sales. The introduction of its next-generation battery system is aimed at attracting new customers and retaining its existing base.
The Blade Battery 2.0 utilizes lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology, which is seen as a cost-effective alternative due to its avoidance of expensive metals like cobalt and nickel. Currently, LFP batteries are priced around $81 per kilowatt-hour, compared to $128 for nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries. Although LFP batteries are less energy-dense, limiting their range, BYD aims to make them more appealing across various vehicle models by significantly reducing charging times.
To achieve the five-minute charging feat, BYD has developed the Flash Charging system, capable of delivering 1.5 megawatts of power. This is a significant improvement over their previous 1-megawatt system, which required dual 500 kW charging cables. While the fastest chargers in regions like the U.S. and Europe typically max out at 350 kW, more 500 kW options are emerging.
BYD's Flash Charging stations feature overhead cables that simplify the connection process, enhancing user experience. The company has already established 4,200 such stations across China, with plans to expand this network by an additional 16,000 by year-end.
In the U7 sedan, the battery can provide a range of over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) under the optimistic China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). However, real-world conditions may yield a more practical range of around 400 miles on a single charge. While this range is less than some competitors, the ability to add 240 miles of range in just five minutes could redefine expectations in the EV market.