#44: BYD cracks 5-minute EV charging

BYD’s 5-minute charging system, ChargePoint and NYSERDA expand EV infrastructure, and ElectricFish’s redesigned grid power bank

Author

Steve Taylor
March 29, 2025

Together with

Unlock exclusive monthly deep dives, policy briefings, and quarterly industry reports

The 3 big stories:

  • BYD announces 5-minute EV charging system.

  • ChargePoint and NYSERDA expand fast charging in New York. 

  • ElectricFish launches new grid power bank for ultra-fast EV charging.

Plus, featured jobs and news.

Enjoy,

–Steve

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled a groundbreaking ultra-fast charging system capable of delivering a full charge in just 5 to 8 minutes—potentially transforming the EV ownership experience.

The company plans to deploy more than 4,000 of these “flash-charging” stations across China. Each site will feature 1-megawatt chargers, capable of delivering up to 250 miles of range in five minutes.

At the core of the system are BYD’s in-house–developed silicon carbide power chips, operating at up to 1,500 volts—highlighting the company’s growing vertical integration and technological edge.

Markets responded swiftly: Tesla shares dropped 4.8% following the announcement.

“Our goal is to make charging an EV as fast and seamless as refueling a gas-powered car,” said BYD founder Wang Chuanfu.

BYD’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. In 2024, the company produced over 4.3 million new energy vehicles—up 41% year-over-year—and narrowly edged out Tesla in battery-electric vehicle production: 1,777,965 units vs. Tesla’s 1,773,443.

Steve's Take

BYD’s new ultra-fast charging system has the potential to eliminate one of the biggest hurdles to mass EV adoption: charging time. If the technology delivers as promised, it could redefine consumer expectations—and reshape the competitive landscape.

As BYD accelerates its global expansion, this innovation could give the company a decisive edge in international markets, while rivals scramble to catch up.

A key driver of BYD’s momentum is its deep vertical integration. By developing its own silicon carbide power chips and building on its battery expertise, BYD is creating a self-reinforcing ecosystem that’s tough to replicate. Its Blade battery is already compelling enough that even Tesla has adopted it in select models.

But as transformative as 5-minute charging sounds, the bigger challenge may lie in scaling the infrastructure to support it. Delivering megawatt-level power safely and reliably across thousands of locations will require significant grid investment—a feat China is uniquely positioned to execute.

For the broader EV charging industry, this raises existential questions. Many station operators have built business models around longer dwell times. If ultra-fast charging becomes the norm, they may need to completely rethink their value propositions.

–Steve

Crafting winning policy and legislative strategies through bipartisan advocacy since 2007

Power and Policy

ChargePoint has opened five new ultra-fast charging sites across upstate New York, backed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). 

These new locations in Cortland, Waterloo, Lake Placid, Niagara Falls, and Ripley expand the charging network in key areas of the state.

The sites are part of NYSERDA's Clean Transportation program, which aims to reduce capital investment barriers for charging infrastructure deployment. 

NYSERDA's initiative maintains a focus on equitable access, with a requirement that 50% of fast-charging stations funded through the program be located in disadvantaged communities as defined by New York State's Climate Justice Working Group.

"ChargePoint's collaboration with NYSERDA demonstrates the critical role that public-private partnerships will continue to play in the build out of charging infrastructure, particularly at the state level," said Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint. 

"When all types of institutions work together to defray costs, much-needed EV charging infrastructure can scale at an accelerated pace."

Rob's Take

This partnership between ChargePoint and NYSERDA is a great example of how state-level programs must fill the void left by diminished federal support for EV infrastructure. 

Part of why these public-private partnerships are so valuable is that they’re able to maintain a focus on equity in the infrastructure roll out, making sure the benefits of electrification reach all communities, not just affluent ones.

State-level programs like NYSERDA's will likely become increasingly important barometers of the industry's overall health and direction.

–Rob 

Emerging EV Tech

ElectricFish has unveiled 350Squared, a fully redesigned grid power bank combining ultra-fast EV charging with energy storage—engineered to drastically reduce the need for costly grid infrastructure upgrades.

Delivering EV charging speeds 133% faster than traditional hardware, 350Squared slashes up to 90% of grid upgrade costs thanks to its proprietary power electronics and integrated 400 kWh battery storage.

Designed for speed and flexibility, the system can be deployed rapidly without trenching or extensive utility work. Its semi-permanent, modular form factor also shortens permitting timelines and allows for easy relocation.

350Squared features built-in AI for demand forecasting, predictive analytics, and real-time grid responsiveness—maximizing energy efficiency, maintaining grid stability, and lowering operational costs.

With two ultra-fast charging ports and hybrid power draw from both its battery and the grid, the system delivers high-performance charging without requiring major utility upgrades.

The technology has already proven itself in real-world pilots with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, where it successfully enabled fast charging in grid-constrained environments.

Steve's Take

By pairing battery storage with intelligent power management, ElectricFish’s 350Squared offers a practical, near-term solution to accelerate EV charging deployment in areas with limited grid capacity.

Its modular design allows for rapid deployment—and easy relocation—minimizing the risk of stranded infrastructure as EV adoption patterns shift. This flexibility is especially valuable during this transitional phase of transportation electrification, when charging demand is uneven and evolving.

Beyond deployment agility, 350Squared enhances the business case for charging infrastructure. By enabling participation in grid services and demand response programs, the system creates new revenue streams while contributing to local grid stability.

As federal funding for EV infrastructure faces uncertainty, technologies like 350Squared will be critical to keeping momentum going in the national charging buildout.

–Steve 

Featured Jobs

You can find more EV industry jobs here.

Sponsor this newsletter

Reach 17,331 executives, policy professionals, founders, and investors in the EV charging space across email and social. Reply to join our sponsor waitlist.

Share your feedback 

Reply with what you loved about this issue or want more of — we read every message.

Connect with us

Follow EVPowerInsights on LinkedIn.

See you next time!
⚡️Steve and Rob

Have friends or colleagues interested in the evolution of America’s EV charging infrastructure? Hit the share button below! If you were forwarded this, you can subscribe here.