BYD plans to market electric models with a 1000-volt architecture

The Chinese manufacturer BYD is working on developing a new platform with a 1,000-volt architecture, intended for its future high-end electric models. This new architecture will also come with the rollout of new fast-charging stations designed specifically to take advantage of this technology.

According to Chinese media reports, BYD plans to unveil this system in mid-March, with the promise that in the near future it will allow the brand’s models that adopt it to reach a charging power of up to 5C. That is, five times the figure associated with the battery capacity in kWh. For example, if the battery pack has a capacity of 100 kWh, the supported charging power should be 500 kW.

Currently, some electric models from Chinese manufacturers, such as the Li Auto Li Mega or the most recent version of the Zeekr 001, already incorporate batteries with 5C charging power supplied by CATL. These manufacturers promise that, in these vehicles, at an ultra-fast charging point it is possible to add 500 kilometres of range in just twelve minutes.

The first models from the brand to benefit from this new technology will be those at the very top of the range, the Han L and Tang L, which were presented last January after undergoing a significant redesign compared with the previous generation.

Reducing charging times is a priority for BYD

However, all of this will be just a first step on the path, as both CATL and BYD are already working on batteries that can be charged even faster. Some reports indicate that both companies are already developing cells with 6C charging rates, which would raise the bar even further compared with the competition.

To advance new battery technologies, BYD recently managed to raise a significant sum of money on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The company has explained that these funds will be used to strengthen its research and development area, expand its international presence, and increase its operating capital, among other priorities.

This injection of resources therefore arrives at a key moment, just as BYD prepares to make a technological leap to a new 1,000-volt platform, which should allow it to position itself ahead of the competition in this area.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

B

SedanBYD HAN2 versions · from 69,990 €

Off-RoadBYD Tang1 version · from 72,000 €