BYD Launches 9-Minute EV Charging Stations in Singapore
BYD Unveils Revolutionary Flash Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles
Chinese automotive giant BYD has introduced a groundbreaking charging solution that promises to revolutionize the way electric vehicle (EV) owners charge their cars. Known as the Flash Charging stations, these innovative devices are set to provide a “breakthrough” in electric car ownership by significantly reducing charging times.
The world’s largest EV seller, which recently surpassed Tesla in sales, unveiled its new Flash Charging station on Friday. These stations allow EV drivers to boost their battery levels in just minutes, making the process more efficient and convenient.
Each Flash Charging station is designed to be installed in forecourts similar to traditional petrol stations, featuring T-shaped structures with two connectors instead of fuel pumps. Alternatively, they can function as standalone solutions for two vehicles at a time. The stations are capable of delivering charging speeds of up to 1,500kW, which is three times faster than the most powerful EV chargers currently available in the UK.
This means that EV drivers can charge their batteries from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes. As of now, 4,000 of these stations are already operational in China, with a total of 20,000 planned before the end of 2026. The technology is also set to expand to other markets, including the UK.
Each forecourt will feature several 1.5 megawatt Flash Charging stations, each equipped with 1,500 amps of current and a 1,000-volt base architecture. BYD currently operates 4,239 Flash Charging stations in its home country and plans to install an additional 16,000 in 2026. These stations are considered a significant step forward in rapid charging capabilities, offering even higher performance than the existing single-unit 1,000kW Flash Charger devices.
Like the megawatt devices, only vehicles with compatible batteries can fully utilize the energy provided. The first such vehicle is the new Denza 29GT from BYD’s subsidiary brand, Denza. This luxury saloon, positioned as a rival to the Porsche Taycan, uses the company’s advanced Blade Battery 2.0, which claims a range of up to 644 miles based on China’s test cycles. However, it’s worth noting that these figures may be more optimistic compared to European testing standards.
Each Flash Charging station is powered by an on-site, ultra-fast-discharge energy storage system (ESS). This system helps minimize the impact on the existing energy grid by acting as both an “energy reservoir” and a “power amplifier,” enabling high-power charging like never seen before.
The system has been tested in extreme temperatures and was found to be capable of charging an EV battery from 20% to 97% in -30 degree Celsius conditions in just 12 minutes. In normal temperatures, it can charge a compatible EV from 10% to 70% in just five minutes—comparable to the time it takes to fill a petrol or diesel car’s tank at a conventional fuel station.
To put their incredible charging capabilities into perspective, they are three times as powerful as Tesla’s latest V4 Supercharger. These are the fastest devices currently on UK roads, providing speeds up to 500kW, adding 172 miles to compatible EVs in around 15 minutes.
BYD says its Flash Charging stations use the T-shaped overhead design not only for familiarity with traditional filling station forecourts but also because it “removes many of the less appealing aspects of the recharging procedure.” This includes cables getting wet and covered in dirt when dragged across the ground.
While the manufacturer has confirmed that it will make its stations available across various countries worldwide, it said more details will be provided “in due course.” However, with the UK being BYD’s biggest overseas market, registering 51,422 of its cars here in 2025 alone, Britain is surely in line to be among the first to get them.
Bono Ge, BYD’s UK manager, has already revealed that flash charging will be available in Britain this year, with 300 of the 1,000kW flash charger devices promised in the next nine months.
The First EV with BYD’s Groundbreaking Battery
The Denza 29GT is expected to go on sale in the UK in April and will be available as an EV or PHEV. While the PHEV starts from around £45,000 in China, UK pricing has yet to be determined.
The fully electric variant uses an 800V architecture and is powered by three electric motors, with a 380bhp motor on the front axle and two 322bhp motors sending power to the rear wheels. All three motors can operate independently, with the car’s software working out where best to draw power from to maximize efficiency and handling performance.
It promises an eye-watering zero to 62mph time of just 3.4 seconds; supercar-rivalling acceleration. Based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the PHEV will have a market-leading EV-only range of 249 miles, while the full EV offers up to 644 miles between charges.
Though, as previously mentioned, the CLTC typically produces range figures between 10 and 15 per cent higher than the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure used for type approval in Europe. This means the EV-only range of the hybrid Denza will likely be closer to 210 to 225 miles, while a more reliable expectation for the fully electric variant is between 550 and 580 miles.
