By Ramon Castro
BYD made a promise that sounds almost like science fiction, while bmw He decided to put his feet on the ground and question what is behind those numbers.
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The Chinese manufacturer claims to have made an important leap with its new ultra-fast charging technology. They talk about powers of up to 1,500 kW, a figure that breaks with what we know today.
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Translated into real life, That would mean recovering up to 500 kilometers of autonomy in just five minutes. An experience that, according to BYDwould bring the electric vehicle closer to the classic ritual of refueling.
The promise that excites and generates doubts
This system does not remain in theory. It is already part of the Denza Z9GT, a model that integrates the second generation of Blade batteries. The brand proposes a scenario where anxiety about charging disappears and the user barely notices the difference compared to a traditional vehicle.
Furthermore, the proposal is not limited to the car. It includes a network of megawatt chargers and a completely new electrical architecture, designed to support such demands. It all sounds good on paper, but not everyone is convinced.
From bmwsome of its main technical managers have shown reservations. Markus Fallböhmer, Head of Battery Production, was direct when referring to this type of announcement. “You always have to be careful with these types of advertisements. It is possible to optimize a single performance indicator, but compromises must be made in other aspects. We could also increase the charging speed, but then other important battery factors would have to be reduced. It’s like a blanket: if you stretch it on one side,” he explained.
BMW’s approach: balance before record numbers
Far from entering a race for shocking headlines, the German brand is betting on a more conservative balance. Its new electric models, such as the BMW iX3 or the upcoming BMW i3, reach charging powers of up to 400 kW. This allows around 400 kilometers to be recovered in about 10 minutes, figures that remain competitive within the current market.
The difference is in the approach. BMW insists that it’s not just about charging fast, but doing so without compromising the health of the battery. Increasing speed too much could result in accelerated wear, reduced range over time, and a drop in the vehicle’s resale value.
Mike Reichelt, responsible for models New Classalso made the brand’s position clear. “We are seeking to increasingly reduce charging time, but we must also take into account the autonomy, durability and reliability of the batteries. We guarantee all these aspects. We analyze the speed of the Chinese market, but on the other hand, we guarantee quality and safety. “This is an issue that we do not negotiate with anyone.”
What is at stake goes beyond a striking figure. The entire industry seeks to make the daily use of electric cars more practical, and reducing charging times is key to achieving this. However, technological limits continue to set the pace.
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