BYD has signalled another major technological announcement, just days after ramping up mass production of its ultra-fast “megawatt” charging unit rated at 1,360 kW. The Chinese carmaker says the new “breakthrough” will be unveiled at a special event on 5 March at its headquarters in Shenzhen.
Sales slump adds pressure for innovation
The announcement comes after a difficult February for BYD, which recorded its steepest sales decline in six years. Global deliveries fell by 41% compared with the same period last year-its biggest drop since February 2020, when the pandemic severely disrupted the automotive industry.
The downturn, driven by intense competition in many markets (with Europe a notable exception), appears to be pushing the manufacturer to accelerate work on new differentiating technologies.
What BYD has said so far about the 5 March reveal
BYD disclosed plans for the March event on WeChat, China’s dominant messaging and social media platform. That suggests the announcement is primarily aimed at the domestic market, although it may also offer clues about the company’s broader international strategy.
BYD has been expanding its footprint overseas and earlier this year opened a new factory in Hungary-part of its push to build cars closer to European customers.
For now, the company has not clarified whether its upcoming “breakthrough” relates to in-car technology-such as battery advances-or whether it focuses on charging infrastructure.
Megawatt charging: from 1,360 kW today to more than 2,000 kW next
The forthcoming reveal follows BYD’s move into large-scale production of its “megawatt” charging system, a 1,360 kW charger designed to add significant range to an electric car in just a few minutes. The technology was previously seen in China last year by journalists at 01net.
BYD may also have more to say about what comes next. The company is reportedly preparing a second-generation megawatt charger capable of exceeding 2,000 kW-an increase that could halve charging times again compared with the already faster 1,360 kW unit.
Rivals pursue megawatt charging mainly for heavy lorries
Megawatt-class charging is also being developed by competitors, largely with freight transport in mind. Tesla has built a “Megacharger” rated at 1.2 MW, primarily intended for its Tesla Semi lorry.
In the United States, ChargePoint has said it plans to compete with a 3,000 kW charger it claims could recharge a lorry in around 30 minutes.
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