Chinese electric cars (EVs) are getting faster with every new launch on a monthly basis. Along with faster 0-100 km/h times and top speeds, comes more advanced battery pack tech, which also translates to faster charging times. In the case of BYD, the Chinese EV carmaker just launched their new 1,000V Super E-platform electrical architecture capable of DC charging inputs of up to 1,000 kW – or one megawatt (1 MW) charging in China.
According to BYD during the launch of the 1,000V platform, this charging output can add about 400 km of EV range after a five-minute charge. Or about 2 km per second of charging.
The 1 MW charging capability achieved by these cars is largely made possible with BYD’s latest battery technology. The Chinese marque’s latest Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack technology found in the 1,000V platform allows for faster ion transfer in the electrolyte.
In addition, there is also lower internal resistance through the diaphragm, which greatly reduces cell heat generation by as much as 50%. This is done through a new cooling flow path on the top and bottom of the battery pack during the heat exchange process. Furthermore, the LFP battery packs are also equipped with silicon carbide power chips, which are developed by BYD with a 1,500V rating to ensure ample headroom for power transmission.
READ: BYD Dolphin facelift launched in China – 3 variants, God’s Eye C ADAS
Most EVs these days are typically built on a 400V platform, whilst higher-end models are built on the 800V platform. Lamborghini’s first EV – due to arrive by the end of the decade – has a specialised 960V platform developed by Porsche.
BYD’s 1,000V is one step higher than even Lamborghini, and as a result, its 1,000 kW charging speed is also significantly quicker than many other “ultra-fast charging” technology, including Tesla’s (planned) 500 kW Supercharger, Nio’s 640 kW Power Charger 4.0, and XPeng’s 800 kW fast chargers.
So, what car can really support 1 MW charging? On the same day as the reveal of the 1,000V Super E-platform, BYD also revealed the Han L sedan and Tang L seven-seater SUV. Both cars are built on the 1,000V architecture and supports a 10C charging multiplier, which means they can be charged at up to 10 times the battery capacity in one hour.
All that being said and done, 1 MW charging isn’t a fever dream in Malaysia as you think it is. Johor Premium Outlet is the first in the country to have 1 MW charging capabilities for future EVs that allow charging speeds that high, with 30 1 MW charging stations available for use to the public.
READ: Johor Premium Outlets to be Southeast Asia’s largest DC charging hub – first public 1 MW charger
