BYD is claiming leadership position in the EV segment with its new Super e-Platform. While several EV manufacturers have started to adopt 800V architecture with blazing fast DC charging output beyond 500kW, BYD takes a leap forward with its new 1000V architecture.
The Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) maker has made it clear that this isn’t just a technology showcase or a concept but a technology that can be mass-produced today. In fact, they have introduced two new EV models with the 1000V Super e-Platform architecture – the BYD Han L and the BYD Tang L.
Why is BYD pushing for 1000V?
During the event in China, BYD said it wants to achieve EV-ICE parity by increasing the EV charging power to the Megawatt (MW) level. To do so, they have developed a new Kilovolt (1000V) foundation which goes beyond just upgrading the high-voltage battery to 1000V.
BYD says they have to redesign the drive system, motor controller, air conditioning system and other various components to fully support 1000V.
BYD’s Blade batteries which was introduced a few years back has been redesigned to ensure faster ion transfer while reducing resistance. Besides enabling faster electron transfers, BYD claims its new battery design is able to reduce cell heat generation by up to 50%.
To keep things cool during fast charging and discharge, they have also adopted a 3D flow path design for its temperature control system. It utilises refrigerant cooling that flows both at the top and bottom of the battery pack to increase heat exchange performance by up to 90%.
BYD’s 1MW DC fast charging delivers 400km of range in just 5 minutes
To enable blazing fast charging, BYD has develop a flash charging technology with 10C charging rate that pushes 1000V and 1000A. In short, BYD’s 1000V EVs are able to top up 2km of range per second when plugged in to a 1MW ultra fast DC charger.
As a result, the new generation BYD EVs with 1000V architecture is able to take a whopping 400km of range in just 5 minutes. That’s the same time it takes for a typical petrol fuel up and the range is more than sufficient for most interstate trips.
BYD has shared a 1MW charging video on the BYD Han L which charged from 5-63% in just 5 minutes, which added 407km of range. However, do note that China typically uses the more lenient CLTC-cycle.
As shown in their video above, their EV was able to start charging at a high 464kW rate before hitting its peak 1000kW rate after the 18-second mark. The EV was able to sustain its peak charging rate for about 40 seconds before dropping down to 660kW. In one minute of charging, it added approximately 107km of range.
5-50% took just 3 minutes and 33 seconds, with 315km range added before the charging rate dropped to 467kW. Overall, this is still a remarkable fast charging experience that’s very close to a typical fuel stop for a petrol or diesel car.
BYD’s new 30,000RPM motor boasts 778hp
Besides the battery, another major breakthrough is its 1000V electric motor that boasts over 30,000RPM. According to BYD, its new motor is able to deliver 30,511RPM with a high output of 580kW (778hp). The brand claims its new motor has the highest power density in the industry at 16.4kW per kg, which is equivalent to the performance of a V12 engine but with 1/4 the volume.
Another advantage of having an 1000V motor is increased higher-end performance. Not only it accelerates quickly from 0-100km/h, it continues to provide strong acceleration between 100km/ to 200km/h.
BYD to deploy over 4,000 1MW ultra-fast chargers including BESS-backed stations
The fast charging experience is very much dependent on the available charging network. To enable fast charging for the masses, BYD shared that it aims to deploy over 4,000 of its 1MW ultra-fast chargers throughout China.
Their own developed 1MW charging system is able to push 1,360kW of power and it is equipped with two nozzles. According to BYD, their 1MW charging stations only occupy a footprint of 1.5m², which is roughly the size of a dining table.
For areas with power grid supply constraints such as small towns, these chargers can be equipped with energy storage systems in order to provide the same 1MW fast charging experience.
While these 1MW chargers are liquid-cooled, BYD has also designed their nozzles to be lightweight at 2kg so that it is easier to handle especially for female drivers.
BYD Han L and BYD Tang L EVs with Super e-Platform
The first two BYD EVs to use the new Super e-Platform are the BYD Han L and BYD Tang L. Both models will be showcased in showrooms in China and are available for “pre-sale”. Full details of the new two EVs will be revealed at a later time.
The BYD Han L is a full-sized fully electric sedan and it is priced between CNY270,000 to CNY350,000 (about RM165,900 – RM215,000). With the new 30,000RPM electric motor that delivers up to 580kW (778hp) of power, the Han L has a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 2.7 seconds, 100-200km/h in 4.74 seconds and is capable of reaching speeds of 305.5km/h.
In terms of dimensions, the Han L is 5,050mm long, 1,960mm wide, 1,505mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,970mm.
Meanwhile, the BYD Tang L is a 7-seater fully electric SUV that’s priced between CNY280,000 – CNY360,000 (about RM172,000 – RM221,100). Equipped with the same 580kW motor, BYD claims that it can clock 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and 100-200km/h in 6.19 seconds. Based on their tests, the Tang L can achieve a top speed of 287.41km/h.
The BYD Tang L can be opted with a roof-mounted drone docking station from DJI. The ”Lingyuan’ drone system is said to cost CNY16,000 (about RM9,829) and it can take off and land while the vehicle is moving at speeds of up to 25km/h.
The Tang L SUV measures 5,040mm long, 1,996mm wide, 1,760mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,950mm.
