One of the big hurdles stopping buyers switching to EVs is charging time, but that could be about to change thanks to new technology from BYD. The Chinese EV maker has unveiled new charging technology called BYD flash-chargers which apparently can recharge 400 km in just 5 minutes

The new quick charging megawatt flash-chargers can only be used on brand new vehicles designed to accept that level of power, however, the technology certainly points to the future, as it is four times faster than most current offerings. 

BYD has announced it plans to install 4000 of the new chargers across China and unlike many of these announcement that fail to give a fixed time table, the Chinese giant has said the first 500 will be rolled out this month. 

The charges apparently have a maximum output of 1,360 kW, compared to most current fast charge systems which operate from 300-500 kWs. BYD has said its goal is to make EV charging on longer journeys as quick as filling up with petrol. 

The announcement has rattled competitors such as Tesla and while it certainly points the way ahead for EV charging, do not expect to see these rapid chargers appearing at Irish service stations any time soon.  This is because very few potential charger locations in Ireland would have the grid capacity to accommodate the enormous electric power they require. Like many other countries we are thus in a position of infrastructure holding back technology. Ireland will, however, see such technology sooner than the USA where BYD is banned from operating due to restrictions on Chinese imports.