BYD’s ‘flash charging’ can charge an EV in five minutes – and it’s coming to the UK

Consumer Editor

3 minute read|18th Mar 2026

Chinese carmaking giant BYD is set to revolutionise the UK’s EV charging network with 1,500kW ‘Flash Charging’ rolling out later this year.

Set to be a breakthrough for electric car drivers, BYD claims the flash charging network, combined with its latest EV, can charge so fast that the car will be 'Ready in 5, Full in 9, Cold Add 3'.

This means that the flash charging can take an EV’s battery from 10-70% charge in only five minutes, 10%-97% in nine minutes, and 20%-97% in 12 minutes in temperatures as low as -30°C.

The charging capabilities will be launched alongside the new flagship EV from the BYD Group, the Denza Z9GT.

Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President, commented: “The introduction of the Denza Z9GT in Europe marks a very important milestone for our brand.

“The ability to add hundreds of kilometres of range in just minutes, even in extremely low temperatures, means the Z9GT perfectly reflects our vision for Denza: technology that inspires, performance that excites and elegance that defines the future of premium mobility."

Over 4,000 flash charging stations have already been installed in China by BYD – and the company is aiming for a global rollout that will include an initial wave of flash chargers in the UK and across Europe. 

The aim is to have more than 20,000 global flash chargers by the end of 2026.

What is flash charging?

Flash charging is an ultra-high power EV charging technology that delivers energy almost as quickly as filling up a petrol or diesel car at the pumps.

It can output up to 1,500 kW, enabling jumps from around 10% to 70% charge in roughly five minutes, with near-full charging in about nine minutes.

At the time of writing, this is four-to-five times faster than typical ‘350kW-capable’ high-speed chargers available in the UK.

How does it work and why is it quicker?

This speed is made possible by specialised, high-voltage systems, combined with advanced batteries and charging systems designed to handle extreme power transfer efficiently, even in very cold conditions.

BYD claims several complex engineering breakthroughs in battery cathodes, electrolytes and anodes has enabled its new generation ‘Blade Battery’ to receive such a class-leading charge level.

When will it start arriving in the UK?

This rollout will be started by BYD this year with an initial 300 chargers set to be installed across the UK. Further details of the rollout will be announced in due course.

The long-term strategy is to introduce more in the years to come, following on with their success they have already seen in China.

What cars will be comparable with it?

Currently the only model capable of using these chargers will be the Denza Z9GT, Denza being one of BYD’s house of brands. However, more models from the Chinese manufacturer will be able to use them in the years ahead.

Most European EVs are only capable of charging speeds of up to 350kW or less.