Build Your Dreams (BYD) is gearing up for what has the makings of an epic launch event this coming Monday. The Chinese automaker announced several incoming debuts coming early next week, including a new “BYD Super e-Platform,” described as a “new benchmark in electric.” What’s most interesting, however, is that BYD is teasing a new ultra-fast EV charger with up to 1,000 kW of power – that’s twice as powerful as the current best on the market.

Automotive conglomerate BYD is at it again, continuously showcasing its innovation and market expansion as a clear force that will not be ignored by the global automotive segment. In addition to several EV marques, including its new ultra-performance Yangwang brand, BYD develops and implements EV battery technology and EV charging infrastructure.

Earlier this week, BYD shared that Yangwang will be launching its new U7 sedan at an event held at the former’s headquarters in Shenzen, China, later this month. Before then, however, BYD is preparing for a launch event for its own namesake as early as this Monday at HQ.

According to a Weibo post from earlier today, BYD’s launch event on the 17th promises the debut of a new high-performance EV platform, the start of pre-sales of two new models, and an unveiling of new EV charger technology capable of up to 1,000 kW. Eat your heart out, Tesla. You, too, Electrify America.

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BYD to unveil 1,000 kW fast charging tech on 3/17

According to the Weibo Post from BYD, its next launch event will take place this coming Monday, March 17 at 7 PM Beijing time (7 AM EDT). The post was translated to English, but essentially promises the debut of its new “BYD Super e-Platform,” which will reinvent pure electric technology.

As reported by CnEVPost, an invitation to the event elaborated on the capabilities of the Super e-Platform, stating it will “use disruptive technology to completely solve the biggest headache in EV use.” That’s assumedly the charging process and how long even the fastest chargers still take in comparison to a gas station visit.

On that note, the BYD event also includes the debut of a new 1,000 kW EV fast charger. Per the post seen above:

1,000-kW flash charging that allows refueling and charging to have the same speed.

A 1,000 kW BYD fast charger would be a marvel and a potential game changer for EV adoption, doubling the power of current industry leaders like Tesla. The American automaker began rolling out its V4 Superchargers in North America in 2023, which are currently capable of 325 kW. However, Tesla has shared plans to boost those capabilities with 500 kW cabinets this year.

Even so, BYD is on the cusp of introducing EV charging capabilities that are double that prospective target, and it already has the technology out in the wild. CnEVPost also shared reports from several auto bloggers in China that captured images of what seems to be the new BYD charger, relaying that specifications listed on the pile support up to 1,000 volts and power of up to 1,000 kW.

BYD also intends to open pre-sales of its Han L and Tang L EVs at the same event. Because of this, there is speculation that both models will sit atop BYD’s Super e-Platform and support charging power of up to 1,000 kW.

We won’t know for sure until Monday, but this sounds like it will be an exciting one from BYD. Circle back to Electrek on Monday for a full recap.

Kia opened its new “Unplugged Ground” on Friday, a unique EV experience. The complex has Kia’s latest EVs, including the EV4, on display for visitors to meet and interact with.

Kia opens new Unplugged Ground EV experience

The Kia Unplugged Ground first opened in 2021 following the launch of its first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6. It’s located in

Since then, Kia has revamped the brand with a new logo, branding, and sleek new styling. It has also introduced an entirely new generation of mass-market EVs that are now rolling out globally.

Kia introduced its first electric sedan, the EV4, earlier this year during its 2025 EV Day event (see our event recap). We also got our first look at the PV5, Kia’s first electric van, and the EV2, its smallest, cheapest model set to launch next year.

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These will join the three-row EV9, and smaller EV3 and EV5 electric SUVs in Kia’s wide-ranging lineup. As part of its “EVs for all” strategy, prices will range from under $30,000 to upwards of $80,000.

To coincide with the launch of the EV4, Kia transformed the EV experience center. The upgraded facility opened in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on Friday with a futuristic look and cool new interactive technology.

The EV experience center now displays Kia’s entire lineup, including the EV4, EV3, EV6, and EV9. Visitors can interact with the vehicles using Apple’s mixed reality headset Vision Pro, racing simulators, and more. They can even try out the EV9’s advanced driver assistance systems virtually.

Kia’s upgraded EV brand experience comes after it opened EV4 orders earlier this week in Korea. The EV4 starts at 41.92 million won, or roughly $29,000.

With a 58.3 kWh battery, the standard EV4 Air is rated with up to 237 miles (382 km) driving range. The long-range model, starting at 46.29 million won ($31,800), features an 81.4 kWh battery for up to 331 miles (533 km) range.

Later this year Kia will launch the electric sedan in the US, Europe, and other global markets. Maybe, we could get one of these futuristic EV experience centers, too?

Rad Power Bikes has announced the appointment of Kathi Lentzsch as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership change as the company leans further into retail expansion and reduces its emphasis on direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales.

Earlier this week, Electrek broke the news regarding Rad’s previous CEO Phil Molyneux’s sudden unannounced departure from the brand, whose sales once topped the US e-bike market but has since been eclipsed by a number of younger e-bike companies.

Lentzsch, described as a seasoned executive with experience in consumer-facing and business-to-business (B2B) companies, steps in at a critical moment as Rad transitions away from its D2C roots toward a stronger retail presence.

Lentzsch brings more than thirty years of leadership experience, having held executive roles at Bartell Drugs, Pottery Barn, Pier 1 Imports, and Cost Plus World Market. She played a key role in transforming brands, guiding companies through growth phases, and deepening customer engagement—an experience that should align with Rad’s push toward a more traditional retail model.

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“Rad Power Bikes is at an inflection point, shifting from a direct-to-consumer model to a more retail-focused approach, and it’s an incredible time to come on board,” said Lentzsch. “This shift creates new opportunities to reach more riders, strengthen customer relationships, and evolve the brand in meaningful ways. What drew me to Rad is its unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainable transportation, and, most importantly, putting riders first. I’m eager to work alongside this talented team to build on Rad’s strong foundation of producing great products and partnering with the best bike shops to bring those ebikes to riders, complete with a Rad Grin.”

Her appointment follows Rad Power Bikes’ recent moves to establish brick-and-mortar retail partnerships, a departure from its early days as a purely online D2C brand. The shift comes as the broader electric bike market matures, with more companies hoping to leverage the importance of in-person sales and service to reach mainstream customers.

Lentzsch previously served as CEO of Bartell Drugs, where she led the company through a pandemic-era transformation and an eventual merger with Rite Aid. Her leadership at Pottery Barn was instrumental in repositioning it as a premium home brand, while her tenure at Enesco helped earn the company a “World’s Best Workplace” distinction in 2015.

As Rad Power Bikes continues refining its retail strategy, the company is hoping that Lentzsch’s experience in brand evolution, strategic growth, and customer experience will position her to lead the company into its next phase. While Rad built its reputation as a direct-to-consumer powerhouse, this latest move signals a major strategy rethink to expand access to its e-bikes through physical stores and bike shop partnerships.