Energy Gang Is the US being left behind in the race to develop new clean energy technologies? BYD is selling EVs that can charge in five minutes | China is streaking ahead of the US in the energy transition race
Apr 1, 2025
Amy Myers Jaffe, an expert in energy policy from NYU, and Robbie Orvis, director at Energy Innovation, dive into the electric vehicle revolution sparked by BYD's rapid-charging technology. They discuss how the U.S. might be lagging behind in clean energy advancements and the implications for American automakers. Jaffe advocates for a revamped U.S. policy to encourage innovation, while Orvis highlights the necessity for robust support in domestic battery manufacturing. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing Tesla and evolving perceptions of electric vehicles in surprising places like Texas.
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BYD’s Five-Minute Charge EV
- BYD's new EVs can charge to 80% in five minutes, adding 250 miles of range rapidly.
- This breakthrough combines lithium ferrophosphate battery technology with advanced cooling and dual charging ports.
China's EV Market Dominance
- China dominates global EV production, making over 26 million cars in 2024.
- Their vehicles outcompete legacy brands by quality and cost, pushing US automakers out of key markets.
EVs as Strategic Assets
- China's EV focus stems from reducing oil dependency and enhancing national security.
- Battery advances benefit military tech too, reflecting a strategic dual-use technology race.