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Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has introduced its second-generation Blade Battery along with a new ultra-fast charging system called FLASH Charging Technology, setting what the company claims is a new benchmark for EV charging speed. The announcement was made on March 6, 2026, in Shenzhen and marks BYD’s most significant battery innovation since the original Blade Battery debuted in 2020.
According to the company, the new battery can charge from 10% to 70% in just five minutes and reach 97% charge in nine minutes. Even in extremely cold conditions of –30°C, the battery requires only about three additional minutes to charge from 20% to 97% compared to room-temperature charging. This capability could attract attention in markets such as Northern Europe and North America, where battery performance in cold climates has often been a challenge for EV users.
Wang Chuanfu said the technology addresses two key challenges the EV industry still faces—slow charging speeds and reduced battery efficiency in cold weather. Range anxiety and long queues at charging stations, especially during peak travel periods, remain major concerns for EV consumers globally.
Advanced Battery Design
BYD stated that the second-generation Blade Battery is the result of six years of research and development. Engineers focused on solving the long-standing trade-off between fast charging capability and high energy density. The company claims the new battery improves energy density by 5% compared to the first generation while significantly enhancing charging speed.
The battery incorporates a new “Lithium-Ion High-Speed Channel” structure that reduces internal heat generation during rapid charging. It is also equipped with a Full-Spectrum Intelligent Thermal Management System designed to maintain stable performance in both extremely cold and hot climates.
Safety remains a key focus for BYD. The company says the battery has passed rigorous safety tests that exceed China’s national standards, including tests addressing thermal runaway, a condition where battery cells overheat uncontrollably and may cause fires.
First Deployment in DENZA Z9GT
The new battery will debut commercially in the DENZA Z9GT, part of BYD’s premium DENZA vehicle lineup. The company claims the model will offer a range of up to 1,036 km on a single charge, placing it among the longest-range production EVs if verified under standard testing conditions.
1,500 kW FLASH Charging System
To support the battery’s rapid charging capability, BYD has also developed a FLASH Charger capable of delivering 1,500 kW of power through a single connector. This is significantly higher than most public fast chargers currently available, which typically deliver between 150 kW and 350 kW.
To minimize pressure on local electricity grids, each FLASH charging station will include an on-site battery energy storage system. This system stores energy from the grid at a slower rate and releases it quickly when a vehicle connects, allowing ultra-fast charging without requiring major grid upgrades.
BYD has also redesigned the charging connector with a “Zero-Gravity” T-shaped pulley mechanism, intended to make the cable easier to handle and keep it off the ground, addressing common user complaints about bulky charging equipment.
Global Charging Network Plans
The company plans to install 20,000 FLASH Charging Stations across China by the end of 2026, with a global rollout expected to begin during the same period. BYD has indicated that the network will be open to electric vehicles from all brands, potentially increasing its usefulness compared to manufacturer-exclusive charging networks.
Founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, BYD entered the automotive sector in 2003 and has since grown into the world’s largest EV producer by sales volume. The company has been expanding rapidly into overseas markets, including Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
The new battery and charging technology also align with Wang Chuanfu’s long-term vision known as the “Three Green Dreams,” which integrates solar energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles into a unified sustainable ecosystem. The company’s Solar-Storage-Charging solution, combining solar power, battery storage, and FLASH charging in a single station, represents the latest step in that strategy.
