• Tech Tech

Chinese EV giant announces 5-minute charging tech is expanding to new region: 'Good news for EV drivers everywhere'

"This is a big investment."

Chinese automaker BYD is bringing its ultra-fast EV charging technology to Europe — but there's a big catch.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com

CNN called China's BYD the "world's hottest car company" because of the electric vehicle maker's great performance and pricing. 

Now, the Tesla rival is poised to take its amazing five-minute flash-charge tech to Europe, InsideEVs reported

"Earlier this year in Beijing, I got to witness one of the most impressive technological feats I have ever seen," the publication's Patrick George wrote

The spectacle was an EV battery being juiced from low to 50% in just over the time it takes to heat a couple of Hot Pockets in a microwave. 


In the market for a home EV charger? Qmerit makes it easy to get instant quotes on Level 2 charging stations that can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

To get an instant estimate, just answer a few questions about your garage and electrical panel. Within a few days, Qmerit will contact you with a final proposal from a certified installer, and their expert electricians make the process a breeze from there.

The Cool Down may receive a commission on signups made through links on this page, but we only promote partners we vet and believe in. For more cool tips like this one, check out our solutions marketplace here.

Patrick said the "good news for EV drivers everywhere" is that the technology's reach is set to grow.

The comments are based on a BYD LinkedIn post indicating that the company is eyeing a move westward. The post is for a position tasked with rolling out the flash charging system across Europe and into the United Kingdom. 

The company's website noted that 248 miles of range can be gained with a five-minute plug-in. It's an impressive benchmark that bests the speed of rival Tesla's 75,000-strong Supercharger network. Each Tesla station can provide about 200 miles in 15 minutes, according to the company. 

The faster charging comes with a price, though. However, Qmerit, a free resource that helps EV owners land Level 2 chargers at home, said that plugging in at your house is up to three times cheaper than using a public hook-up. 

FROM OUR PARTNER

Stay warm all winter long with the Apple of intelligent space heaters

Kelvin is the Apple of space heaters, designed for energy efficiency and maximum comfort. It's completely silent and intelligently controlled, with setup taking just 5 minutes.

Built from premium materials like aluminum and glass, Kelvin works beautifully as a full-home heating system or as the perfect solution for that one room that never feels warm enough.

It's also far cheaper than dirty fuels, and comes without harmful tailpipe exhaust that clouds neighborhoods and pollutes our lungs

There are a couple of caveats to George's comment about BYD's tech being a boon for EV drivers "everywhere." 

Would you buy an EV if it only took you five minutes to charge?

Sign me up 👍

Depends on the cost 💰

No way 👎

I already have one 🔋

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

The cheaper Chinese cars typically have impressive quality, but they aren't available stateside because of tariffs that span administrations

The levies are meant to protect American automakers and jobs from less-expensive imports swamping the market, according to NPR and CNN. So, for now, BYD and its ultra-fast chargers are available nowhere in America. 

Secondly, the tech will work for other EVs, but only vehicles with BYD's special platform will be able to power up super fast, according to InsideEVs. 

"Other cars will not be able to go there for the five-minute charging, they will be limited by their cars' power, so they will waste their time on them," BYD executive vice president Stella Li said, per Car magazine. 

At home, Qmerit can guide you through the process of getting a Level 2 unit with just a few questions about your electric panel. The technology is good for overnight charging between daily travels. 

Home solar can add to the savings and independence by providing cheaper energy for charging. The Cool Down's Solar Explorer tool curates competitive quotes, finds the right installer, and will save you up to $10,000 on upfront costs. There are also $0-down subscription options, such as Palmetto's LightReach program, available if you want to avoid initial expenses while lowering your utility rate.  

In England, BYD's goal is to have 300 fast chargers installed by the end of 2026, according to InsideEVs.

"Along the highways, we will install fast chargers, you will have the freedom to drive a BYD around the whole island," Li told the publication. "This is a big investment."

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.




Cool Divider