The Week In EV Tech: 900 Miles In 12 Minutes Charging Boost

Welcome to Digital Trends’ weekly roundup of the groundbreaking technology driving, connecting, and empowering the latest electric vehicles.

If you have reservations about electric vehicles (EVs), you’re not alone. Many people share concerns about the driving range on a single charge, the charging time, and the overall cost of this advanced technology.

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study, almost half of U.S. consumers (49%) expressed that battery range is their primary concern regarding EVs. Following closely are worries about charging duration (46%) and the lingering cost premium (44%) linked to battery electric vehicles.

However, the narrative around EVs may be starting to shift. Recent advancements show just how far EV technology has come over the last decade. For instance, China’s BYD is pushing the boundaries by exploring remarkable driving ranges achievable in just a 12-minute charge. At the same time, the Nissan Leaf, regarded as the first mainstream EV back in 2010, is undergoing a significant upgrade while remaining one of the more affordable options available.

BYD’s Ambitious Battery Innovations

BYD, the world’s leading EV manufacturer, is leading the charge in battery performance. Recent reports suggest that the company is testing a new solid-state battery capable of providing 900 miles of range in just 12 minutes of charging.

That’s nearly four times the range offered by many current EVs—enough for a trip from New York to Chicago in the time it takes to grab coffee.

This advanced battery technology is being trialed in a prototype based on BYD’s Seal sedan, with some models achieving over 1,000 miles of range in early tests. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes, solid-state variants use a solid electrolyte, enhancing safety, energy density, and charging capabilities.

Although major players like Toyota and QuantumScape have been developing this technology for years, BYD’s real-world testing could position it as a pioneer in this field.

Such a performance leap not only makes EVs more appealing but could also render current battery technologies obsolete.

Nissan’s Comeback

While BYD looks toward the future, Nissan aims to reclaim its spot in the EV market by revamping the iconic Nissan Leaf. When the Leaf was launched in 2010, it represented a significant milestone as the first mass-market electric vehicle. With a 24 kWh battery, it offered about 75 miles of range, catering to commuters seeking a cleaner way to travel. Priced around $32,000, it was considered an affordable option for those exploring the shift from gas.

However, it didn’t take long for Tesla to dominate the market with the Model S, which provided an impressive 265 miles of range at a considerably higher price point. While the Leaf stood for affordability, Tesla captured the performance market. Over the years, Nissan’s investment in EV tech diminished, leading to stagnation for the Leaf as competitors surged ahead.

Now, Nissan is ready to revive its legacy.

The all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf has discarded its old econobox styling for a more modern hatchback design. It features a liquid-cooled battery and is compatible with Tesla’s NACS charging network, enabling access to Tesla’s Supercharger stations. Offering a range of up to 300 miles, this is a fourfold increase from the original model.

Additionally, the new Leaf comes equipped with an enhanced infotainment system featuring Google Maps with EV routing, a wireless charging pad, and a suite of driver-assist technologies under Nissan ProPILOT, enabling semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

What’s notable is that despite these enhancements, Nissan aims to keep the price close to the original, suggesting a range of $32,000 to $35,000 before tax incentives.

The Future of EVs

The electric vehicle landscape has transformed dramatically since 2010. What began as a slow and often uncertain journey toward electrification has evolved into a fierce competition for innovation.

On one side, BYD is redefining battery technology that could make 1,000-mile EVs as commonplace as traditional gas engines. On the other, Nissan is attempting to reshape the Leaf’s narrative, showing that advanced technology and affordability can coexist.

For consumers, this means their initial concerns—regarding range, charging efficiency, and cost—are actively being addressed.