BYD, the automotive giant from Shenzhen, has unveiled its groundbreaking “Super E-Platform” charging system, aiming to redefine electric vehicle refueling. The company claims its latest models can gain 250 miles of range in just five minutes—a game-changing advancement in the world’s most competitive auto market. To support this innovation, BYD plans to roll out 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China.
For comparison, Tesla’s Superchargers require 15 minutes to provide a 200-mile charge. “Our mission is to make EV charging as quick and seamless as filling up a gas tank,” BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu declared at the launch event. Pre-orders for vehicles featuring this cutting-edge charging technology began on Monday, with deliveries slated to begin next month.
Following the announcement, BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares surged over 6%, reaching a record high on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Tesla introduced a one-month free trial of its long-anticipated Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in China, running until April 16. This move comes after a lackluster update to its driver assistance system last month, which failed to deliver true FSD capabilities. In response, Tesla is collaborating with Chinese tech giant Baidu to refine the software, according to Reuters.
Tesla remains determined to launch FSD in China this year, but regulatory hurdles—especially strict data laws—have complicated the process. These restrictions prevent Tesla from leveraging data from its 2 million vehicles in China, delaying further advancements.
With Tesla facing declining global deliveries and growing competition, BYD’s latest charging breakthrough is yet another sign that the Chinese automaker is outpacing its American rival in both technology and affordability.