BYD will soon start deploying its 1000 kW ultrafast charging stations in China. The first batch of 500 chargers will begin operating in early April to prepare for the launch of the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV sister cars.
BYD unveiled its 1MW charging station on March 17, saying it can charge 400 km in 5 minutes. The official name of the charger is “Megawatt Flash Charger” and it is the world’s first EV charger that can handle 1,000 V and 1,000 A. It also doubles Tesla’s latest V4 Cabinet Supercharger, which has a maximum output of 500 kW.
BYD plans to build 4,000 1MW charging stations but didn’t previously provide a timeline. The company’s Brand General Manager, Li Yunfei, has now announced that the first 500 units will go into operation in early April.
“Some people still don’t believe it or have doubts. But BYD’s style has always been – mass production as soon as it is released. 500 units of 1000 kW charging stations will be available in April,” Li said.
BYD will equip the charging stations with energy storage systems, allowing them to deliver 1,000 kW of charging power even in areas where the local grid cannot supply enough electricity.
The 1MW charger is part of BYD’s Super e-Platform, which incorporates several other related technologies such as a 30,000 rpm motor, dual charging system, and a battery capable of 10C charging rate.
Interestingly, Han L and Tang L can be charged with two charging plugs simultaneously. This is nothing new, as BYD already tested this technology on a three-year-old Denza D9.
Moreover, BYD’s 1MW charger can actually deliver peak charging of 1,360kW. However, the BMS of Han and Tang L can only handle 1000 kW. BYD already shared a video where Han L adds 2 km per second when plugged into a 1000 kW charger, and that is only with one plug.
The Han L EV and the Tang L EV are flagships under the BYD brand. They started presales in China on March 17 at 270,000 yuan (37,300 USD). The two beasts boast a zero-to-hundred acceleration time in a two-second range, over 1000 hp, a 1000V high-voltage system, and 10C charging. The powertrain, specs, and lots of parts are the same. The main difference is that Han L is a sedan and Tang L is an SUV.
Both cars will officially launch in April and make their public debuts at the Shanghai Auto Show later that month. We will keep an eye on them.
