BYD unveils 5-minute EV charge breakthrough: Is Tesla in trouble?

BYD just flipped the script on EV charging. The Chinese automaker introduced a new fast-charging system that can add 249 miles of range in just five minutes, a claim that—if it holds up—could shake up the electric vehicle market.

Tesla has long led the charge in fast charging, but BYD is coming for the crown with what it describes as the Super e-Platform, capable of delivering up to 1,000 kW of peak charging power. The new BYD battery system brings EV charging up to speed with gas refueling, cutting wait times to just minutes.

The company is rolling out this technology in its upcoming Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, with pre-orders already open in China. But it’s not stopping there. BYD plans to install over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China to support its growing fleet, a move that signals its intent to challenge Tesla’s dominance beyond just vehicle sales.

“BYD’s new battery and charging system was capable of providing around 400 kilometers (249 miles) of range in 5 minutes in tests on its new Han L sedan,” Bloomberg reported.

Stock Surge and Market Impact

The announcement sent BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares up more than 6% to a record HK$408.80 on March 18, 2025. Investors see this as more than just a technological leap—it’s a direct challenge to Tesla’s competitive edge.

For years, Tesla’s Supercharger network has been one of its biggest selling points. The company’s V3 Superchargers peak at 250 kW, requiring about 15 minutes to add the same 249 miles of range. BYD’s claim to cut that time by two-thirds could shift consumer expectations, especially for those hesitant about EVs due to charging wait times.

As one observer put it: “You see the lines at charging stations—if you’re on an interstate, you won’t stop if it takes too long. I’ll wait for the next one.” BYD’s founder, Wang Chuanfu, has made it clear: his company wants to eliminate charging anxiety by matching the speed of refueling a gasoline car. If it delivers, Tesla may have no choice but to accelerate its own V4 Supercharger rollout, which has been in development but lacks a clear launch date.

BYD’s Global Expansion

BYD isn’t just outpacing Tesla in charging tech—it’s outselling it. The company took the top spot in global EV sales in 2024, moving 1.78 million battery-powered EVs compared to Tesla’s 1.77 million. That gap is growing.

China is BYD’s home turf, and it’s dominating there with a 32% share of the new energy vehicle market. February 2025 sales surged 161% to 318,000 units, while Tesla’s sales in China dropped 49% to just 30,688. A big reason? BYD is undercutting Tesla on price. The Dolphin, a compact EV, starts at $15,000, while Tesla’s Model 3 sits at $40,000—a tough sell in a price-sensitive market.

But BYD isn’t stopping at China. The company is pushing deeper into Europe, where it’s expanding production in Hungary, Turkey, and potentially Germany to sidestep EU tariffs. It’s aiming for 186,000 sales in the region this year, banking on a lineup that ranges from budget-friendly options like the Dolphin to high-end models like the Sealion 7 SUV.

Tesla still holds the advantage in North America, where U.S. tariffs keep BYD out. But the real fight may be in Europe, Asia, and emerging markets, where price and availability often outweigh brand loyalty.

How This Hits Tesla

BYD’s charging breakthrough attacks one of Tesla’s biggest advantages—speed. While Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the best in terms of coverage and reliability, BYD is building its own infrastructure, at least in China.

That raises a key question: Can BYD’s tech scale globally? Tesla’s Superchargers are tested and widely deployed. BYD’s ultra-fast chargers are new, and whether they work as advertised outside of controlled conditions remains to be seen.

Beyond charging, Tesla still has a few cards to play. Its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, regular over-the-air updates, and a cult-like customer base give it a competitive moat that BYD hasn’t cracked yet. Tesla also makes money outside of cars—batteries, solar energy, AI—while BYD is still largely an automaker.

But the numbers don’t lie. Tesla’s sales in China are slipping, and BYD is scaling fast. If BYD’s five-minute charge technology and charging network prove reliable, it could force Tesla to lower prices or speed up its own innovation cycle—moves that could squeeze Tesla’s profit margins.

BYD and Tesla Locked in a Tight Race for EV Dominance.

According to InsideEVs, Tesla maintained a slight lead in 2024 EV sales, delivering 1.79 million vehicles, just ahead of BYD’s 1.76 million. The razor-thin margin underscores the growing competition between the two automakers, signaling a shift in the industry as BYD continues to close the gap.

BYD, however, took the lead in EV production during the fourth quarter of 2023, surpassing Tesla for the first time. This marks a major moment in the global EV market, highlighting how quickly BYD is scaling its operations.

Beyond fully electric cars, BYD has gained ground by selling a mix of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery EVs. The company sold 2.49 million PHEVs in 2024, a 72.8% increase from the previous year. This strategy of offering both hybrids and pure EVs has helped BYD capture a wider customer base, particularly in regions where charging infrastructure is still developing.

With BYD growing at this pace, Tesla faces pressure to maintain its lead while defending its stronghold in markets where it dominates, such as North America. The next few years will determine whether Tesla can hold its position or if BYD will push ahead in the global EV race.

Beyond EVs

BYD isn’t just innovating in charging. The company has hinted at plans to integrate drone technology from DJI into its vehicles, potentially allowing future models to launch drones for exploration or security. Tesla hasn’t shown interest in anything similar, which makes BYD’s approach unique.

Meanwhile, on the stock market, global trends remain unpredictable. A separate market development saw shares of five major Japanese trading houses rise 2.5% to 3.6% overnight after Berkshire Hathaway increased its stakes. That move had nothing to do with BYD, but it highlights how dynamic the global auto and investment markets are right now.

What’s Next?

BYD’s five-minute charge capability could reshape expectations for EVs. It’s not an instant Tesla killer—brand loyalty, infrastructure, and software give Musk’s empire some cushion—but BYD’s mix of affordability, aggressive expansion, and technical improvements make it a serious challenger.

One thing is clear: the race isn’t just about who makes the best car. It’s about who can build the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient charging ecosystem. Right now, BYD is making a strong case that Tesla may need to rethink its next move.