BYD has demonstrated its FLASH Charging technology in the UK for the first time, claiming charging speeds that could help address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.
The Chinese manufacturer staged a live demonstration of the system at its UK headquarters in Uxbridge, where it said drivers could add more than 220 miles of range in five minutes.
BYD said FLASH Charging is capable of delivering up to 1,500kW through a single connector, significantly exceeding the charging speeds currently available through public charging networks in the UK.
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The technology is built around what BYD describes as its “Ready in 5, Full in 9, Cold Add 3” principle.
According to the company, battery charge can be increased from 5% to 70% in five minutes, while a charge from 10% to 97% takes nine minutes. In temperatures as low as -30°C, a charge from 20% to 97% can be completed in 12 minutes.
Denza Z9 GT expected to be first model ready for FLASH Charging
The demonstration vehicle was the DENZA Z9 GT, which is expected to become the first model offered in the UK capable of accepting FLASH Charging.
Based on the model’s WLTP range of 372 miles, BYD said a five-minute charge can add 223 miles of driving range, while a nine-minute charge can add 323 miles.
Alongside the charging speed claims, BYD sought to address concerns about the infrastructure required to support ultra-rapid charging.
The company said the chargers use on-site battery storage to deliver high charging power, with energy replenished from the grid at lower rates ranging from 100kW to 560kW depending on demand.
BYD believes this approach will simplify deployment compared with relying solely on high-capacity grid connections.
BYD plans 300 FLASH chargers across UK before end of 2026
The manufacturer said it plans to install 300 FLASH chargers by the end of 2026 at Denza retail locations and other sites.
The charging units feature a twin-cable design mounted on a vertical rail system, which BYD said makes them easier to use regardless of charge port location and reduces the likelihood of cables becoming damaged or contaminated.
BYD UK country manager Bono Ge shared a quick video of the new charging technology in action on LinkedIn.