BYD, the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles (EV), has unveiled battery and charging technology capable of delivering speeds that rival refuelling at a petrol station.

The new 1.5 MW Flash charging technology, coupled with the firm’s latest second generation blade lithium iron phosphate battery, delivers charging speeds of 10% to 70% in five minutes, and a full 97% charge in only nine minutes. 

Even in extreme cold weather of -30°C, which often impedes batteries from charging, the time it takes to fully charge only increased by three minutes compared to charging in an ambient temperature.

BYD demonstrated the two technologies using its latest DENZA Z9GT model, which launched earlier this month. After charging the battery to 97%, the EV is able to hit the road again with a range of up to 1,036km.

To deliver its flash charging technology, BYD plans to install special charging stations, featuring a T-shaped pulley charger. The sliding mechanism adjusts left or right for ease of use. The single-connector 1.5MW charger is paired with a large on-site battery storage system, allowing it to deliver power without overloading the local electricity grid.

BYD plans to roll out 20,000 of these flash charging stations across China, with a global roll-out to begin at scale by the end of 2026. BYD is not squeezing other EV brands out as it says that these stations will be open to all vehicles, although it has not stated what battery types will be compatible with the technology. 

Starting out as a battery maker in 1995, the firm been rapidly expanding its automotive exports since around 2020 with major sales in Europe, Latin America, south-east Asia and Australia. In October 2025, it said that the UK was its biggest market outside of China following a record 880% growth in the country over the previous year. It also overtook Tesla in global EV deliveries in 2025, taking the top spot for the first time. 

With these latest launches, the firm is addressing some of the topmost barriers holding potential buyers back from purchasing an EV, including slow charging speeds, huge queues at charging stations, poor low-temperature charging performance and range anxiety. 

BYD says that after six years of research and development, its second generation of blade battery “delivers a charging experience that finally matches the speed of refuelling”.

Compared with the first-generation version, the new battery features a 5% increase in energy density. According to BYD, to minimise internal heat generation and maximise heat dissipation the battery features a “lithium-ion high-speed channel” and a “full-spectrum intelligent thermal management system”.

With the new battery having passed a series of safety tests that BYD claims “exceeds China’s national standards”, it hopes to allay customer fears about battery safety, particularly the risk of overheating or catching fire.

According to a report published last month, EV sales are off to strong start in 2026, with nearly one in three new cars being plug-ins.