Podcast Episode
Real-world tests confirm that vehicles equipped with BYD's second-generation Blade Battery can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and reach 97% in approximately nine minutes. Even in extreme cold of minus 30 degrees Celsius, a charge from 20% to 97% takes only around 12 minutes.
BYD plans to build 20,000 domestic stations and 6,000 overseas stations by the end of 2026, with 3,000 earmarked for Europe. However, competition is heating up. Geely's Lynk and Co brand has already claimed faster speeds, charging from 10% to 97% in 8 minutes and 42 seconds, though its charging network remains a fraction of BYD's size.
BYD Hits 5,000 Flash Charging Stations and Partners with KFC for 9-Minute Drive-Thru Charging
April 11, 2026
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BYD has deployed 5,000 Flash Charging stations across China in under a month, with real-world tests showing its second-generation Blade Battery charging from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes. The company has also partnered with KFC to combine ultra-fast charging with drive-thru dining, and launched its Flash Charging system in Europe alongside the premium Denza Z9GT.
BYD's Flash Charging Revolution Arrives
BYD has reached a major milestone in its push to redefine electric vehicle charging, deploying 5,000 Flash Charging stations across 297 cities in China within just 27 days of the technology's launch. The system, built on a 1,000-volt architecture, delivers up to 1,500 kilowatts of power per charging point, roughly three times the output of Tesla's V4 Superchargers.Real-world tests confirm that vehicles equipped with BYD's second-generation Blade Battery can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and reach 97% in approximately nine minutes. Even in extreme cold of minus 30 degrees Celsius, a charge from 20% to 97% takes only around 12 minutes.
KFC Partnership Creates a New Charging Experience
In one of the more unexpected moves in the EV space, BYD has signed a strategic partnership with Yum China's KFC network. The deal, formalised on 8th April at BYD's Shenzhen headquarters, will see Flash Charging stations installed at KFC locations across China. Drivers can use voice commands through their vehicle's infotainment system to browse the menu, place an order, and set a pickup time while navigating to the charger. By the time the car is charged, the food is ready.European Launch and Global Ambitions
BYD's premium sub-brand Denza debuted in Europe at the Palais Garnier in Paris on 8th April, launching the Z9GT shooting brake alongside the Flash Charging system. The all-electric Z9GT produces 1,140 horsepower and is priced from 115,000 euros. Orders are now open in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.BYD plans to build 20,000 domestic stations and 6,000 overseas stations by the end of 2026, with 3,000 earmarked for Europe. However, competition is heating up. Geely's Lynk and Co brand has already claimed faster speeds, charging from 10% to 97% in 8 minutes and 42 seconds, though its charging network remains a fraction of BYD's size.
Published April 11, 2026 at 11:28pm
