BYD starts rollout of 1,500 kW Flash Chargers in overseas markets

BYD to deploy 6,000 flash charging stations overseas

When it comes to fast-charging stations for EVs, Tesla currently has the largest network, with over 80,000 Superchargers worldwide. But BYD is rapidly catching up.

It’s only been a month since the Chinese EV juggernaut launched its 1.5 megawatt Flash Charger in its home market, where EVs can top up their batteries in as little as 9 minutes. That flash-charging network has spread out rapidly, with BYD claiming more than 5,000 stations are now operational and have reached 297 cities across China.

Now, BYD has announced that tech is making its way outside China’s borders. During the introduction of Denza and the Z9 GT in Europe, BYD will build 6,000 overseas flash chargers, with half of those allocated to Europe. Once deployed, BYD’s 1,500 kW stations would serve as the highest-capacity public charger available in the Old Continent.

When paired with vehicles equipped with the second-generation Blade Battery, the BYD Flash Charger can charge from 10% to 70% in about 5 minutes, and 10% to 97% charge in about 9 minutes in normal temperatures. This improves user convenience and reduces charging anxiety, a longstanding barrier to widespread EV adoption.

That said, BYD is not limiting the Flash Charger network to its own vehicles. Other EVs with compatible charging ports can also make use of the charging network. But of course, charging times will vary depending on the electric architecture level of the vehicle being plugged in.

Currently, BYD is on track to establish 20,000 flash charging stations in China by the end of 2026, targeting a 90% urban coverage within a 5km radius in major cities, and the remaining locations set in dedicated highway stations. For overseas markets, BYD is prioritizing countries where the brand already has an established footprint to provide a complete ecosystem for its customers.