Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has taken a bold step by unveiling its new “super e-platform,” a game-changing technology capable of charging EVs at a remarkable speed of 1,000 kW. This supercharging platform can recharge a vehicle for a 400 km range in just five minutes, which is twice as fast as Tesla current supercharger technology.
Founder Wang Chuanfu announced the development of this groundbreaking platform, making it the first to achieve megawatt-level charging. This new charging speed is set to place BYD far ahead of competitors, including Tesla, whose top charging speed is 500 kW. While Tesla’s superchargers allow for a 200-mile charge in 15 minutes, BYD’s new system aims to revolutionize the EV charging experience.
BYD’s challenge comes at a time when Tesla is facing difficulties in the Chinese market. Tesla has seen a significant drop in shipments, with a 49% year-on-year decline in February 2025, marking the lowest monthly shipment figure since July 2022. The drop in sales has been attributed to both production delays and a diminishing market share as new competitors like BYD gain traction.
Tesla’s market share in China has continued to slip, with BYD’s share heading toward 15%, a dramatic increase in contrast to Tesla’s declining numbers. While Tesla’s factory in Shanghai has been retooled, the company faces strong competition from BYD and others who offer a more up-to-date and diverse range of electric vehicles.
This intense competition comes as Elon Musk’s company struggles with multiple global challenges, including political controversies and slower sales. As BYD continues to innovate and grow its presence globally, Tesla will need to respond swiftly to maintain its competitive edge.
