Few electric vehicle (EV) charging networks are as well-known as Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) Superchargers, given that the firm has been aggressively developing and promoting its network in the U.S.
According to Finbold research, Tesla’s charging speed significantly lags behind most of its competitors, with the Supercharger providing only 18 km (11.18 mi) per minute. In contrast, China’s latest BYD (SHE: 002594) Megawatt Flash Charging can provide 80 km (49.7 mi) every minute.
However, Tesla still leads in terms of infrastructure, operating the world’s largest network of fast chargers, with over 60,000 Superchargers worldwide.
BYD leads in charging speeds; Tesla takes penultimate spot
While being behind the biggest electric vehicle maker in the world isn’t particularly damaging to Tesla’s reputation, the fact that it took the penultimate place among the seven companies Finbold research examined is somewhat unexpected.
Furthermore, multiple firms, known primarily as traditional car makers and not electric vehicle giants, ranked higher in terms of kilometers provided by each minute of charging.
Mercedes-Benz (ETR: MBG), for example, logs 33 km (20.51 mi) for every minute it is plugged in, and Sweden’s Volvo (STO: VOLV-B) – the company that gave the world the three-point safety belt for free – clocks in 30 km (18.64 mi).
Hyundai (KRX: 005380) is likewise ahead of Tesla and, at the fifth spot, achieves 23 km (14.29 mi) of driving for each minute on the charger.
Some smaller EV makers are also ahead of Elon Musk’s car company. Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) is just behind BYD. Indeed, Li’s chargers provide 42 km (26.09 mi) for each minute on the cable.
Lastly, Finbold research uncovered that Lucid (NASDAQ: LCID) is reinforcing its claim to the throne of the most disappointing EV maker in the world in yet another metric as it scored dead last. Lucid Motors’ vehicles can run for 17 km (10.56 mi) for each minute spent charging.
Does the car you drive matter for charging?
Simultaneously, all the charging efficiency in the world is of little use if the stations are as common as water in a desert.
Fortunately, most EV makers allow their customers to use most charging stations worldwide. One can even charge their Tesla outside the company’s network, provided they connect an SAE J1772 adapter before plugging in.
Though the American electric vehicle giant operates the biggest proprietary network, most drivers will find their options are more limited by their geographic location than by their car.
For example, while BYD is, at press time on March 25, only planning to build a modest 4,000 ultra-fast stations, its customers can connect to any of the millions of stations available.
Likewise, despite Mercedes, Volvo, Hyundai, or Lucid not operating their chargers, their extensive partnerships ensure their customers are seldom far from a cable.
Geographically, drivers in the United States, Western Europe, South Korea, and China are set to have the least stressful trips as the infrastructure in these regions and countries is highly developed.
These EV drivers have to drive the least to the charging station
Although somewhat dated, a 2024 outlook document from the International Energy Agency (IEA) recorded China as the world leader in the number of EV charges, being the home to the majority of both slow and fast charging stations currently in existence.
The data, however, reveals that manufacturers’ claimed charging speeds can be misleading. They represent efficiency and kilometers-per-minute under optimal conditions and when plugged into fast charges. The majority of stations worldwide remain the so-called slow chargers.
Reports from 2023 indicate just how deceptive marketing for electric vehicles can be. Charging speeds for Tesla, for example, can vary significantly and range from the claimed 275 km (70.88 mi) in 15 minutes to days before full charge, depending on the used outlet.
