BYD looking to build 5-minute EV charging network in Canada

samtheDamned

For context, BYD is only just entering the Canadian market[1], it looks like they're looking to really make their mark. Also the article mentions "the low six-per-cent tariff is capped at just 49,000, split between not only Chinese brands but Tesla, Volvo, and Polestar" and suggests that BYD may plan to build some of their cars in Canada. I don't understand NAFTA very well but might that open the door to BYD cars being able to be sold in the US as well? if they aren't blanket banned that is. 1: https://eletric-vehicles.com/byd/byd-canada-targets-twenty-d...

LoganDark

This is insane. Just a few years ago I was gawking at Chinese battery-swap stations, and now their chargers are pushing FIFTEEN HUNDRED KILOWATTS

ygjb

Yes please. I drive a Ford Mustang Mach-E, but would happily switch to BYD car just to get access to that kind of fast charging, especially if it's available across Canada. Also, it would be great to see aftermarket kits for existing EVs to upgrade to supported battery kits. This is probably a pipe dream, and I don't know anything about what it would take to accomplish this. If that's not possible, there should be much stronger standards on how batteries are built, shaped, etc, and controls on how the batteries can be discharged. Batteries already appear to be the most expensive part of maintenance cross the two EV (one PHEV, and one EV) that I have owned - pushing for standardization should help drive those costs down, and enable longevity for new and potentially existing fleets. Last thing we need is cars becoming as disposable as phones because of battery lock in and manufacturers dropping support.

thebruce87m

I wonder what the optimal charge time really is - 5 minutes is short enough that you might have to stay with the car then move it to avoid overstay fines. If you are stopping for 20 minutes for a bathroom break and a snack every 2 or 3 hours on a long trip that might actually add 5 minutes each time.

polishdude20

I'd love to get a BYD electric in Canada but it seems like they won't be selling for anywhere near as cheap as people are expecting?

imposterr

Buying a Chinese EV in Canada feels like such a gamble given the current geopolitical situation. Like what happens if things reverse and you can no longer get parts or support for these cars? Let's say you can get parts and third party shops open up to fill the support gap, how sure are you you'll continue to get the software updates these cars rely on? While I'd love to consider a Chinese EV as my next car, there just seem to be too many early adopter risks here outside of the car itself.

dzhiurgis

Does BYD export such EVs yet? The quickest charging ones you can get in NZ right now are 220kW and most are 110-150kW - https://evdb.nz/evs?make=BYD&dcCharging=100–200&mega=true Same in Australia - https://evdbau.com/evs?make=BYD&dcCharging=200–350&mega=true

beloch

When the Carney government decided to let a small, capped, number of Chinese EV's into Canada's auto market, it was clearly meant to send a message to Trump. Namely, if you succeed in destroying our auto sector, we'll drop all tariff's and import bans on auto's from abroad so de-Canada'ified American autos will have to compete on a level playing field for what is, currently, their #1 export market. Instead of treating this concession like something that could be negotiated away at any moment, BYD is going hard right out of the gate. Even Tesla only built a small and inadequate charging network in Canada. If BYD builds a more substantial charging network while they have the access, that access will be much harder to take away. It would go from a potential negotiating chip to something Canadians won't want to do without.