Megawatt charging is go — BYD tests 1,500kW network that can add 249 miles of EV range in just 5 minutes

• BYD has been testing a new 1,500kW flash charging network in China
• Charging times of under five minutes are possible
• Pricing at BYD’s site is surprisingly cheap

Images have surfaced from Shenzhen, China, where BYD is busy testing its megawatt EV charging infrastructure with select owners.

The 'Flash Charging' network, which is capable of delivering 1,500kW to compatible electric vehicles, is more than three times faster than some of the most potent rapid and ultra-rapid charging outlets found in North America, Europe and beyond. It's reportedly possible to add 249 miles of range in only five minutes.

Car News China revealed images of the test hub in use. Only BYD cars are currently making use of the innovative, liquid-cooled charging guns and T-shaped gantries that allow several owners to pull up at once, charge quickly and move on, without the need to park up for extended periods of time.

In fact, BYD’s hub looks more like a traditional gas or filling station, which makes sense given that the 1,500kW outlets have already been touted to play nicely with the next generation of BYD’s range-topping Han, Tang, and other flagship models — all capable of adding almost 250 miles of range in under five minutes.

According to Car News China, the test hub is open to any domestic BYD vehicle wearing a Flash Charge badge, which includes a number of Denza models, too. Users simply roll up, plug in and either the vehicle's infotainment system or a dedicated Android Flash Charging app handles the payment procedure.

What’s more, pricing at the demo site was reportedly shown as 1.3 yuan per kWh, or roughly $0.18 / £0.14 / AU$0.27.

This equates to around a $15 / £12 / AU$23 charging session — a veritable bargain, considering fast-charging in the UK can easily cost in excess of £70 when larger batteries are brimmed.

Car News China claims that earlier reporting indicates BYD may target over 4,000 self-operated flash charging stations in China, with broader co-operation networks potentially exceeding 15,000 locations in the country in the coming years.

Tesla gets in on the megawatt action

News also broke this week that Tesla has listed 64 new US 'Megacharger' locations to support its growing fleet of all-electric Semi trucks.

Capable of delivering over 1.2 megawatts of power, these specific outlets can charge a Semi truck to 60% in around 30 minutes, with the proposed placement of the chargers creating usable corridors for electrified heavy goods vehicles to effectively operate coast-to-coast.

However, Tesla has been relatively slow to play catch-up when it comes to consumer EV technology, as the V4 Superchargers reportedly deployed in China already are able to support up to 500kW peak power for passenger vehicles.

If the leaked charging statistics from BYD’s latest Flash Charging hubs are correct, it already puts the company at two or three-times faster than Tesla’s cutting edge charging tech.

What's more, Tesla's failing Cybertruck is currently the only vehicle in the line-up capable of charging at speeds of anywhere near the proposed 500kW output.

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