Chinese automaker BYD has announced a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology: a new battery capable of fully recharging in under 10 minutes. This advancement, dubbed “Flash-charge,” is set to debut in the Denza Z9 GT, a model slated for release in the UK later this year.
The Speed Advantage: Comparable to Gasoline Refueling ⛽️
The second-generation Blade Battery can handle up to 1500kW of charging power—a speed BYD claims rivals the time it takes to fill a traditional gasoline car. Real-world tests show a 10-70% charge in just 5 minutes, and a full 10-97% charge in 9 minutes under optimal conditions. Even in extreme cold (-30°C), a 20-97% charge takes only 12 minutes.
This is a significant leap beyond current charging capabilities. The new battery is also 5% more energy-dense than its predecessor, which already offered capacities up to 150kWh. The Denza Z9 GT utilizes a 100kWh pack as its initial configuration.
The Catch: Dedicated Charging Infrastructure 🔌
To achieve these speeds, vehicles must use BYD’s proprietary Flash charging stations. These stations are currently the only public chargers globally capable of delivering such high power. BYD plans to expand the network across Europe, though a specific timeline hasn’t been released. As of now, there are 4239 stations in China, with plans for 15,000 more by year-end.
For context, the fastest public charger in Europe (Ionity) offers 600kW, and the Lotus Emeya is the quickest production EV capable of using up to 400kW. Mercedes-Benz is also pursuing similar high-speed charging technology, reaching 900kW in testing, but BYD’s current system remains the fastest commercially viable solution.
What This Means: A Potential Game Changer 🔄
BYD’s ultra-fast charging technology addresses one of the biggest drawbacks of EVs: long recharge times. If widely adopted, this could accelerate the shift towards electric mobility by making EV ownership as convenient as using gasoline vehicles. The key will be the rollout of the necessary charging infrastructure, which remains the biggest hurdle.
This innovation raises questions about how quickly other automakers will respond, and whether standardized high-speed charging will become the new norm. The race to eliminate “range anxiety” and “charging delays” is now accelerating rapidly.
