Latest news with #charging
The Independent
38 minutes ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
BYD's new EV flash chargers are as fast as petrol pumps – here's when they're arriving in the UK
BYD isn't content with its EVs outselling Tesla, now it wants to take on the American electric car giant's Supercharger charging network with an even faster network of BYD megawatt super-fast chargers. Tesla's Supercharger network is one of the biggest reasons to buy a Tesla, thanks to exclusive use of the charging points for Tesla owners at some locations and the ease with which they work with Tesla models – they recognise the car and automatically bill the owner. There are currently over 60,000 Tesla Superchargers across the world, with the latest units able to add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes at speeds up to 250kW. BYD announced earlier this year that it has developed its own super-fast charger, called a Flash Charger, that can charge EVs at up to 1MW (1,000kW). BYD says a Flash Charger can add 1.2 miles of charge every second and up to 249 miles-worth of charge in just five minutes, equalling the speed at which petrol cars are able to fill up. Speaking exclusively to The Independent at the launch of the new budget BYD Dolphin Surf electric car in London, BYD Special Advisor Alfredo Altavilla revealed that the first of these so-called Flash Chargers will be coming to the UK next year, while also saying that BYD was aiming to rival Tesla's Supercharger network. When asked when we will see the first Flash Charger in the UK, Altavilla said: 'In 2026. You will get a few stations in every country in Europe. They will be branded BYD, but they will be open to everybody.' Unlike Tesla Superchargers, Flash Chargers will be open to owners of any electric car. However, the fastest charging speeds will be unique to cars with the technology to accept megawatt charging. BYD's latest car tech, its Super e-Platform, features a 1,000V high-voltage architecture with a Flash Charging Battery. It will be available first in BYD's Han L and Tang L models that can now be ordered in China. In Europe and the UK the new Flash Charging Battery could debut in a new model from Denza, BYD's Porsche -rivalling upmarket brand. Altavilla told us that Denza models would debut BYD's latest tech across Europe, along with sports cars and SUVs from BYD's luxury brand Yangwang. 'The idea is for Denza and Yangwang to be the so-called technology manifesto of the BYD group,' said Altavilla. 'Those are the two brands where all new technologies will be firstly introduced. So, the flash charging for example.' Altavilla confirmed that the first Denza model, the Z9 GT saloon, will go on sale in the UK 'at the beginning of 2026.' The Z9 GT would be followed by an MPV, the D9, and then a number of SUVs. Denza models are likely to be sold through a unique network of dealers, or with existing BYD partners where those dealers had experience of selling premium models. Following the announcement of its Flash Chargers, BYD has been contacted by companies wanting to work on the technology with them and to help them build a network of super-fast chargers. 'The minute we made this public, we, and specifically I, started getting dozens of calls from all the companies in the space that want to become our partner in doing this together,' said Altavilla. 'To the extent that if we find the right partner, we'll do it with them. Otherwise, we'll do it on our own.' Altavilla was speaking at the launch of the new BYD Dolphin Surf in London, the brand's sixth new model to go on sale in a little over two years and also it's cheapest, starting at just £18,650.
Gizmodo
3 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Amazon's Best-Selling 50,000mAh Portable Power Bank Is Almost Free, Now 79% Off With Limited Stock
You'll never have to worry about having zero charge left on your smartphone again. If you've ever spent time frantically searching for an outlet in a crowded airport, panicked over your phone battery at a music festival, or just wished you could charge everything without lugging around a mess of cables, you're not alone. It's frustrating (and can be kind of scary) when you don't have any charge left on your phone. What if you have an emergency? What if the group chat keeps texting you and you can't respond? We kid, but hey, sometimes it truly is a dire situation. But a power bank can help keep you on the grid, and there's a great deal on one you won't want to miss at Amazon right now. See at Amazon Head to Amazon now to get the OHOVIV Portable Power Bank for $34, down from its usual price of $160. That's a whopping $126 off and a discount of 79%. This is the lowest price we've seen on this device too, so you're getting some serious savings with this find. Portable peace of mind and a seriously large battery This is the kind of charger you pack when you're planning ahead. Like when you're going on a road trip, traveling internationally, or just don't want to deal with low battery warnings every few hours. It has a staggering 50,000mAh capacity, so it can recharge most smartphones several times over. Think of it as a power station in your backpack. It's not just for phones either. It can handle tablets, headphones, smartwatches, portable gaming consoles, and more. As you're likely seeing already when looking at the listing, it has a built-in trio of charging cables:MUSB-C, Lightning, and micro USB. That means no more keeping track of individual cords or borrowing someone else's charger in a pinch. It also has multiple input options for recharging the bank itself, so you're covered whether you're using USB-C or micro USB. Plus, the LED display tells you exactly how much power is left, so there are no surprises. It has all of this battery power, but it's made to be portable and travel-ready. It fits easily into most backpacks or carry-on bags as well, so you don't have to worry about jamming it in somewhere that you really don't have room. If you're tired of constantly topping off your devices or being tethered to the wall, this deal is a great chance to upgrade to something more powerful. And look, it's just $34 (-79%). You really should just get it on principle at this point. Seriously, the OHOVIV 50,000mAh portable charger is worth snagging while the price is right. See at Amazon
Auto Car
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
How BYD's Blade battery technology slices EV charging times
EV drivetrains and particularly batteries are developing at a remarkable pace compared with the combustion engine. As a result, range has increased but probably even more marked is the desire to bring charging times in line with ICE refuelling. BYD recently announced its Super e-Platform along with the latest 'flash-charge' version of its lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) Blade battery, which is promised to get close to ICE refuelling times by recharging in six minutes. The new platform is claimed to support charging at up to 1000kW, which seems incredible given the typical rapid-charge rate was 50kW just a few years ago. The name Blade describes the unusual design of the battery, where long, slim cells almost a metre in length make up the pack, rather than modules packed full of smaller pouch, cylindrical or prism cells. In that sense it's unusual, but its LFP chemistry isn't. The advantage of LFP lies in being economical, cobalt- and nickel-free and, above all, safer. LFP battery chemistry is often used in stationary battery systems (including domestic solar systems) and releases heat slowly and doesn't release oxygen if damaged. BYD has demonstrated that its Blade battery cell passes the nail penetration test without emitting fire or smoke, whereas a cell based on alternative chemistry like NMC (lithium, nickel, manganese, cobalt oxide) subjected to the same test reacts violently. While the basic chemistry of the LFP battery isn't extraordinary, achieving a charge rate of 10C for the BYD flash-charge battery is. The 'C' rate is the rate at which a battery charges relative to its capacity and illustrates how quickly a battery can accept and discharge energy.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Amazon shoppers race to buy ‘superb' and ‘high-capacity' portable charger slashed from £140 to £18
LOOKING for a life-saver for your ailing devices? Head to Amazon, where shoppers are dashing to buy a portable power bank charger that's been reduced in cost from £139.99 to just £17.99. CTIAI Portable Charger, £17.99 (was £139.99) Summer is here, and many people are gearing up for holidays abroad or spending more time outdoors in the sunshine. Long-haul flights, poolside lounging: whatever the scenario, keeping your devices charged is essential. Nobody wants to deal with a dead phone or tablet when they need it most. Thankfully, Amazon has a brilliant deal on the CFIAI Portable Charger, which has seen an almighty 87% price cut and is now a best-seller on the website. The Sun Shopping team hasn't tested out this gadget, but it comes with an impressive-looking set of specs. There's its PD and QC fast charging technologies, which means your devices charge much faster than with standard chargers. For example, it can charge an iPhone 15 from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes. It also comes with two built-in cables (Type-C and iOS) and has two output ports (USB-A and Type-C), allowing you to charge up to four devices at the same time. That will come in pretty handy, especially if you're with others who are dealing with their own devices running low on power. It's also airline-approved, so you can take it with you on plane flights without any worries - no dramas when you go through security. Another great feature is the LED digital display, which shows the exact battery life left, from 1% to 100%. With just a quick press of the power button, you'll know whether it's time to recharge. No more guessing or being caught out with a flat battery - it's simple, and it's straightforward. Shoppers who might have heard those horror stories about dodgy power banks should breathe easy. The CFIAI portable charger is powered by a lithium polymer battery that protects your devices from overheating, overcharging, short circuits, and other risks. It also intelligently adjusts to your device's charging needs, ensuring fast and safe charging. Despite its horsepower, it measures a slim 6.89 × 15.12 × 1.82cm, which means it's easy to carry in your bag or pocket, making it perfect for travel. Shoppers are loving this device, giving it an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 from over 250 reviews. It isn't often we see items on Amazon get top marks like this. 'As advertised, fast charging, high capacity, long lasting!" one customer writes. "Excellent value for money for the item for the price paid. Highly recommend!' Another commented: 'Amazing value for a quality power bank. "Excellent power bank, charges very quickly and has the lightning cable and USB Type-C cable hardwired and fits into the sleek build. "Perfect for keeping your devices charged up on the go and at home.' 'This is my first portable battery charger power bank, and it is superb," a third reviewer added. "[It's lightweight and easy to carry in luggage or a pocket, it actually has two built-in cables, one of which fits my mobile, so I can use it on the go even if I do not have my charge cable with me.' Keen? Just make sure you act quickly - Amazon deals like this tend to come and go very quickly. best power banks UK. This isn't the only great power bank deal we've spotted lately - Amazon shoppers have also been snapping up a portable Magsafe charger reduced to £27. Flying on a budget airline this summer? Travellers have been racing to buy an underseat cabin bag that's Ryanair-friendly.
Car and Driver
a day ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Exterior Photos of the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
We managed to take the battery from 10 to 90 percent in just 35 minutes, with power delivery peaking at 264 kilowatts and averaging 129 kilowatts over the duration of the fill-up.
