BYD Prepares Flash Charging 2.0 Network in Europe

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD plans to launch its Flash Charging 2.0 rapid charging network in Europe within the coming weeks.

According to CarNewsChina, the charging station network, with power output up to 1,500 kW, will support vehicles equipped with BYD’s latest-generation Blade battery.

The network rollout coincides with the planned European debut of the Denza Z9 GT model in April.

BYD’s second-generation Blade battery-equipped vehicles are claimed to charge from 10 to 70 per cent in just five minutes, and from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes, based on Chinese charging standards. However, it remains uncertain whether the same performance can be achieved in vehicles sold in Europe.

Currently, the Flash Charging system only supports the Denza Z9 GT model.

By comparison, most electric vehicles sold in Europe typically support DC fast charging up to approximately 400 kW. If BYD’s 1,500 kW stations are genuinely deployed, the technology would become the public charger with the highest capacity in Europe.

The Denza Z9 GT is equipped with a 122 kWh Blade battery and three electric motors producing approximately 960 horsepower (716 kW). The vehicle is offered in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants. The vehicle is claimed to achieve a range of up to 800 kilometres according to WLTP standards.

The vehicle’s interior features a Devialet audio system certified with Dolby Atmos, making it one of the first vehicles in Europe with a cinema-style audio system.

BYD has previously installed thousands of Flash Charging stations in China. However, the company has not yet disclosed specific details about the number of locations or European regions that will form the initial phase of the network rollout.