China EV giant BYD soars after 5-minute charging platform unveiled
By AFP
March 17, 2025
BYD has unveiled a new battery and charging system, called "Super e-Platform", that allows cars to travel up to 470 kilometres (292 miles) after being plugged in for just five minutes - Copyright AFP/File Pedro PARDO
Shares in Chinese EV giant BYD surged to a record high Tuesday after it unveiled new battery technology it says can charge a vehicle in the same time it takes to fill up a petrol car.
The company said the battery and charging system, called “Super e-Platform”, boasted peak speeds of 1,000 kW, allowing cars to travel up to 470 kilometres (292 miles) after being plugged in for just five minutes.
The new technology aims to “fundamentally solve users’ charging anxiety”, according to BYD founder Wang Chuanfu.
“Our pursuit is to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of fuel vehicles,” he said at Monday evening’s launch.
Hong Kong-listed shares in BYD jumped more than six percent to hit a fresh peak at one point Tuesday morning before paring some of the gains.
The announcement positions BYD ahead of arch-rival Tesla, whose Superchargers currently offer charging speeds of 500 kW.
BYD introduced the Super e-Platform alongside two new EV models that will be the first to feature the system: the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV.
The Shenzhen-based company also unveiled plans to build more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations nationwide to support the new technology.
The ambitious expansion comes on the heels of remarkable growth, with February sales soaring 161 percent to more than 318,000 electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, Tesla experienced a steep 49 percent sales decline in the Chinese market during the same period.
By AFP
March 17, 2025
BYD has unveiled a new battery and charging system, called "Super e-Platform", that allows cars to travel up to 470 kilometres (292 miles) after being plugged in for just five minutes - Copyright AFP/File Pedro PARDO
Shares in Chinese EV giant BYD surged to a record high Tuesday after it unveiled new battery technology it says can charge a vehicle in the same time it takes to fill up a petrol car.
The company said the battery and charging system, called “Super e-Platform”, boasted peak speeds of 1,000 kW, allowing cars to travel up to 470 kilometres (292 miles) after being plugged in for just five minutes.
The new technology aims to “fundamentally solve users’ charging anxiety”, according to BYD founder Wang Chuanfu.
“Our pursuit is to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of fuel vehicles,” he said at Monday evening’s launch.
Hong Kong-listed shares in BYD jumped more than six percent to hit a fresh peak at one point Tuesday morning before paring some of the gains.
The announcement positions BYD ahead of arch-rival Tesla, whose Superchargers currently offer charging speeds of 500 kW.
BYD introduced the Super e-Platform alongside two new EV models that will be the first to feature the system: the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV.
The Shenzhen-based company also unveiled plans to build more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations nationwide to support the new technology.
The ambitious expansion comes on the heels of remarkable growth, with February sales soaring 161 percent to more than 318,000 electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, Tesla experienced a steep 49 percent sales decline in the Chinese market during the same period.
Accessibility of EV charging infrastructure: How is the UK doing?
By Dr. Tim Sandle
March 17, 2025
DIGITAL JOURNAL
Nissan is likely to invest in Renault's new electric vehicle business as the pair reshape their alliance - Copyright AFP/File Kazuhiro NOGI
EV infrastructure refers to the combination of structures, machinery, and equipment necessary and integral to support a EV, including battery chargers, rapid chargers, and battery exchange stations.
How is the UK faring with building the necessary support structure for EVs? A new survey finds that Coventry tops the list, with 842.02 public chargers per 1,000 ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs).
This ranking was determined by comparing the number of publicly available chargers to the number of ULEVs in each area, coming from the firm Beck Evans. The company analysed the ratio of public charging points to ULEVs across every local authority in the UK, calculating the total per 1,000 vehicles. The results were ranked from the highest ratio to the lowest.
The top ten were found to be:Coventry
Southwark
Hammersmith and Fulham
Wandsworth
Hackney
Waltham Forest
Watford
Na h-Eileanan Siar
Kensington and Chelsea
Blaenau Gwent
The number of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) was sourced from the Home Office, while data on publicly available charging points was obtained from the UK Parliament.
To ensure accuracy, the data was filtered to include only ‘battery electric’ vehicles and the total number of chargers.
The next ten were:Dumfries and Galloway
Islington
Richmond upon Thames
Merton
Lambeth
Ceredigion
Lincoln
Brent
Liverpool
Reading
As indicated above, Coventry tops the list with 2,084 publicly available charging points, resulting in a ratio of 842.02 per 1,000 vehicles. With 2,475 registered ULEVs, the West Midlands city is leading the charge on electric vehicle infrastructure.
Southwark, in South London, ranks second with a ratio of 554.09 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs. The district has 1,844 public chargers, serving 3,328 ULEVs. In third place, Hammersmith and Fulham in West London has a ratio of 467.51 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, with 2,662 public chargers for 5,694 vehicles.
Wandsworth, also in South London, follows in fourth place with a ratio of 458.16 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, offering 1,451 chargers for its 3,167 vehicles. Rounding out the top five, in Northeast London, Hackney has a ratio of 426.84 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, providing 598 chargers for 1,401 vehicles.
In sixth place, Waltham Forest in outer London has a ratio of 423.46 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, with 686 public chargers for 1,620 vehicles. Watford in Hertfordshire follows in seventh place with a ratio of 352.20 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, offering 392 chargers for its 1,113 vehicles.
Na h-Eileanan Siar, otherwise known as the Western Isles, places eighth with a ratio of 350.65 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs. Kensington and Chelsea follow in ninth place with 315.46, and Blaenau Gwent rounds out the top ten with 310.10.
Some areas are rising above others to combat significant charging infrastructure shortages and here the densely populated London boroughs dominate the top ten, but other areas stand to compete with them, like Coventry which topped the list.
More than half of businesses want an electric vehicleBy Dr. Tim Sandle
March 17, 2025
DIGITAL JOURNAL
Nissan is likely to invest in Renault's new electric vehicle business as the pair reshape their alliance - Copyright AFP/File Kazuhiro NOGI
EV infrastructure refers to the combination of structures, machinery, and equipment necessary and integral to support a EV, including battery chargers, rapid chargers, and battery exchange stations.
How is the UK faring with building the necessary support structure for EVs? A new survey finds that Coventry tops the list, with 842.02 public chargers per 1,000 ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs).
This ranking was determined by comparing the number of publicly available chargers to the number of ULEVs in each area, coming from the firm Beck Evans. The company analysed the ratio of public charging points to ULEVs across every local authority in the UK, calculating the total per 1,000 vehicles. The results were ranked from the highest ratio to the lowest.
The top ten were found to be:Coventry
Southwark
Hammersmith and Fulham
Wandsworth
Hackney
Waltham Forest
Watford
Na h-Eileanan Siar
Kensington and Chelsea
Blaenau Gwent
The number of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) was sourced from the Home Office, while data on publicly available charging points was obtained from the UK Parliament.
To ensure accuracy, the data was filtered to include only ‘battery electric’ vehicles and the total number of chargers.
The next ten were:Dumfries and Galloway
Islington
Richmond upon Thames
Merton
Lambeth
Ceredigion
Lincoln
Brent
Liverpool
Reading
As indicated above, Coventry tops the list with 2,084 publicly available charging points, resulting in a ratio of 842.02 per 1,000 vehicles. With 2,475 registered ULEVs, the West Midlands city is leading the charge on electric vehicle infrastructure.
Southwark, in South London, ranks second with a ratio of 554.09 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs. The district has 1,844 public chargers, serving 3,328 ULEVs. In third place, Hammersmith and Fulham in West London has a ratio of 467.51 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, with 2,662 public chargers for 5,694 vehicles.
Wandsworth, also in South London, follows in fourth place with a ratio of 458.16 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, offering 1,451 chargers for its 3,167 vehicles. Rounding out the top five, in Northeast London, Hackney has a ratio of 426.84 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, providing 598 chargers for 1,401 vehicles.
In sixth place, Waltham Forest in outer London has a ratio of 423.46 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, with 686 public chargers for 1,620 vehicles. Watford in Hertfordshire follows in seventh place with a ratio of 352.20 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs, offering 392 chargers for its 1,113 vehicles.
Na h-Eileanan Siar, otherwise known as the Western Isles, places eighth with a ratio of 350.65 chargers per 1,000 ULEVs. Kensington and Chelsea follow in ninth place with 315.46, and Blaenau Gwent rounds out the top ten with 310.10.
Some areas are rising above others to combat significant charging infrastructure shortages and here the densely populated London boroughs dominate the top ten, but other areas stand to compete with them, like Coventry which topped the list.
By Dr. Tim Sandle
DIGITAL JOURNAL
PublishedMarch 17, 2025
A Lotus Eletre being charged at the Shanghai Auto Show. The proliferation of EV products in China is 'changing the entire market', according to Lotus executive Mike Johnstone. — © AFP
More than half (52 percent) of businesses are now prioritising electric vehicles (EVs) when selecting company cars and fleet vehicles, according to new data from the firm Leasing.com. Such a trend highlights a significant shift towards sustainability and long-term cost savings.
While SUVs remain the most in-demand body type for business users, the all-electric Lotus Eletre has emerged as the most popular business vehicle in the UK, surpassing well-established models from Tesla, BMW, and Polestar.
Cost Savings and Regulation Drive Business EV Adoption
The sharp rise in business interest in EVs reflects changing regulatory landscapes, with low-emission zones and tax incentives making electric vehicles a more financially viable choice for companies.
Mike Fazal, CEO at Leasing.com, tells Digital Journal: “The increase in business EV enquiries reflects a broader shift towards cost efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. With more cities introducing clean air zones, businesses are proactively transitioning to electric fleets to avoid additional charges and future-proof their operations.
Fazal adds: “Government incentives, lower Benefit-in-Kind tax rates, and long-term savings on fuel and maintenance are all making EVs a more attractive proposition. As technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, we expect even more businesses to accelerate their shift to electric—ensuring they stay ahead of regulations while boosting their sustainability credentials.”
SUVs and Electric Vans: The Vehicles Businesses Are Choosing
Beyond powertrain choices, vehicle type remains a key factor in business leasing decisions. SUVs account for 60 percent of all business leasing enquiries, reflecting their versatility and suitability for professionals who travel frequently.
Among commercial vehicles, electric vans are gaining traction, particularly for logistics and trade industries. Models such as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Renault Kangoo rank among the most popular, as businesses look to reduce fleet emissions and long-term operational costs.
“Leasing plays a crucial role in this transition,” adds Fazal. “Many businesses are still evaluating the financial and operational impact of going electric, and leasing allows them to trial EVs without the risk of outright ownership. This flexibility is key as businesses prepare for stricter emissions regulations over the coming years.”
What Businesses Look for in a Vehicle
Theanalysis also examined how vehicle priorities vary by sector:
Tradespeople (Electricians, Plumbers, Builders): Cargo space and reliability are key. The Nissan Townstar ranks highest for meeting trade business needs, while the Ford Ranger remains a top choice for carrying heavy loads.
Couriers & Delivery Services: Low-emission zones are driving demand for electric vans, with the Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen ID. Buzz scoring highest for courier suitability.
Property & Sales Professionals: A balance of brand image and practicality is crucial. The BMW iX is the most popular choice for estate agents and sales professionals, with growing interest in the Polestar 2.
Veterinary & Agricultural Services: All-weather capability is essential. The Ford Ranger is the top choice for rural professionals, with the Land Rover Defender also proving popular.
Healthcare & Medical Services: Efficiency and low emissions are key for frequent city travel. The Nissan Qashqai is the preferred option for healthcare professionals.
The Future of Business Vehicles
With over half of business leasing enquiries now for electric models, and SUVs maintaining their dominance, the data indicates that businesses are actively shifting towards more cost-efficient, sustainable vehicle solutions. These trends to continue shaping the corporate fleet and business vehicle landscape in 2025 and beyond.
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