"Drive from Seoul to Busan on a 5-Minute Charge": Chinese EV Stuns the World [Report]

BYD 'Super e-Platform' Charging Experience
Heat Management and Durability Questions Addressed in the Market
Ultra-Fast 1000 kW Charging Achieved Even in Extreme Heat
4 Minutes 49 Seconds to Charge from 15 km to 400 km
Over 3,000 Full Charge-Discharge Durability Tests

'400 km of driving range with a 5-minute charge.'

When BYD unveiled its next-generation electric vehicle platform, the 'Super e-Platform,' in March, the global automotive industry responded with both astonishment and skepticism. The system, which boasts a maximum output of 1000 kW and a maximum voltage of 1000V, drew attention for achieving charging speeds comparable to refueling internal combustion engine vehicles. However, there were doubts as to whether such performance could be realized in practice.

On June 24, at a BYD electric vehicle charging station in Longhua District, Shenzhen, China, I personally charged an electric vehicle using the 1000 kW-class ultra-fast charging system. This was the first time a Korean media outlet had demonstrated the charging of an electric vehicle based on the 'Super e-Platform,' which was released in April, directly in China.

An electric vehicle 'HanL' based on BYD's Super e-Platform being ultra-fast charged. Photo by Woo Suyeon

I opened the charging port of BYD's flagship electric sedan, the Han L, and connected the charger. With only about 2% battery remaining, the vehicle absorbed power at an astonishing speed. The vehicle display showed the phrase 'MW Flash Charging' along with the charging output of '1000 kW.' The available driving range instantly increased from 15 km (2% battery) to 400 km (57%). The process took 4 minutes and 49 seconds. This was the moment that confirmed BYD's claim that 'a 5-minute charge can provide 400 km of driving range' was not just a promise.

When BYD announced its '10C' technology, which enables ultra-fast charging at ten times the battery capacity, the industry raised concerns about heat management during charging and battery durability. However, at 3 p.m. that day, even under the scorching sun with temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius in Shenzhen, the BYD charger continued ultra-fast charging without any shade. A BYD representative explained, "To adapt to the wide range of climates across China, we needed to expand the charging temperature range," adding, "The system is designed to allow charging at any temperature from minus 40 degrees Celsius to plus 50 degrees Celsius."

Regarding durability, the representative said, "We have conducted more than 3,000 full charge-discharge tests," and added, "We have enhanced the overall vehicle system by applying not only a battery thermal management system but also our own power semiconductor (SiC semiconductor)." In the electric vehicle industry, more than 3,000 full charge-discharge tests is considered a very high standard. The heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells has also improved by more than five times compared to conventional batteries. BYD launched the Super e-Platform-based electric vehicles Han L and Tang L in China in April this year and plans to install more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging systems across the country.

An electric vehicle Han L based on BYD's Super e-Platform is being ultra-fast charged. The vehicle display shows a charging output of 1000 kW. Photo by Su Yeon Woo

Before BYD introduced its '10C' technology, Hyundai Motor Company boasted the fastest charging technology in the industry. In 2021, Hyundai introduced the electric vehicle-dedicated platform 'E-GMP,' which supports up to 350 kW and 800V of output and voltage, to its mass-produced vehicles. E-GMP electric vehicles take 18 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80%.

However, with the commercialization of BYD's 'Super e-Platform,' BYD has overtaken Hyundai. Subsequently, in June this year, Tesla introduced its fourth-generation Supercharger (V4), capable of charging at a maximum output of 500 kW, in select regions and models. As a result, until Hyundai launches a new next-generation platform, it will be difficult for the company to claim technological superiority. However, some point out that how quickly the latest technology is accepted by the market and consumers is a separate issue. This is because it takes time to ensure system stability and to build charging infrastructure.

Nevertheless, by reducing electric vehicle charging times to levels comparable to refueling, BYD has demonstrated its technological prowess. In the fiercely competitive Chinese electric vehicle market, the ultimate solution for securing market share and survival is, in the end, 'technological capability.'

In particular, BYD is focusing on technology marketing that presents its innovations in an intuitive and emotionally resonant way. The U9 supercar model from BYD's premium electric vehicle brand Yangwang is widely known as a 'dancing electric car.' This is thanks to its self-developed intelligent body control system, which controls the vehicle's movements in real-time to match the rhythm of music. The Yangwang SUV U8 is famous on social networking services (SNS) as a 'car that floats on water.' This vehicle supports a waterproof mode that allows it to float for up to 30 minutes in an emergency. A BYD representative emphasized, "To win the favor of Chinese consumers, intuitive messages that can be understood at a glance are more effective than detailed technical explanations."