China's electric vehicle revolution unexpectedly originates from an unconventional quarter
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), a new battlefront has emerged - charging speed. This development is particularly prominent in China, where companies are pushing the boundaries of charging technology.
BYD, a leading player in the EV market, unveiled a 1000kW charger earlier this year. According to the company, this charger can deliver a range of 400km in just five minutes, although testing showed it can deliver an impressive 470km. This groundbreaking technology is now being incorporated into BYD's Super e-Platform vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kia EV9, currently the highest-performing EVs in New Zealand with a maximum 350kW charging capacity, are dwarfed by this new development. It's worth noting that CarsGuide has never seen any vehicle accept 350kW, with the speediest examples topping out at about 230kW.
Orange Charging, an affiliate of ride-sharing company Didi, is also making waves in the charging sector. The company claims it can add 100km of range to an electric car in just one minute, although the specifics of their charger's power output are not yet clear.
However, the fast charging capabilities of these new chargers exceed current EV capabilities for safe charging. No electric car can currently accept the 1600kW charge without overheating issues, and New Zealand's power grid is unlikely to support such megawatt chargers anytime soon, requiring a massive investment in infrastructure.
The average electric car battery is between 60 and 80kWh. A 1000kW charger should theoretically fill a 60kWh battery in 3.6 minutes, or add 520km in just five minutes. This rapid charging speed could significantly reduce the time spent refuelling EVs, making them more convenient for everyday use.
CATL, the world's biggest electric car battery maker, is working on batteries compatible with 1.3 megawatt chargers, further pushing the boundaries of charging technology. This development could pave the way for even faster charging speeds in the future.
As for BYD's plans, initially, the BYD Sealion 8 is expected to launch in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) guise. The Sealion 8, expected to arrive in New Zealand next year, will be a Tang L SUV variant.
This race for faster charging speeds is set to reshape the EV landscape, making charging more efficient and convenient for users. Whether this technology will become widespread remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the EV sector is poised for some exciting developments in the near future.
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