BYD’s UK Flash Chargers Cut EV Charging Time to 9 Minutes

BYD is rolling out its Flash Charging stations in the UK, starting in the coming weeks, and the new technology promises to slash charging times dramatically. The company plans to install 300 of these stations across the country over the next 12 months, targeting BYD and Denza dealerships, motorway service areas, and existing charging hubs.

The chargers can take a new EV battery from 10 to 97 percent in just nine minutes, and from 10 to 70 percent in five minutes. Even in freezing conditions at -30°C, a 20 to 97 percent charge takes only 12 minutes. Each unit has two connectors, delivering up to 1,500 kW when one is in use, or 1,000 kW per plug when both are occupied.

The system relies on two on-site storage batteries, each with 185 kWh capacity, which are refilled from the grid at up to 560 kW. The first model in the UK to support the top charging speed is the Denza Z9 GT, while newer plug-in hybrids with Blade Battery 2.0, like the D9 MPV, also support ultra-fast DC charging.

For comparison, Tesla’s UK Superchargers currently max out at 250 kW, meaning a Model 3 takes 25 to 30 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. Even upcoming V5 hardware at 500 kW is only a third of BYD’s peak rate.

Pricing for the UK Flash Chargers hasn’t been announced, but BYD says owners of compatible vehicles will get preferential rates “considerably lower” than typical ultra-rapid charging prices. EVs from other brands can use the chargers too, but will pay more.