BYD has officially debuted its 1,500kW Flash Charging technology in the UK, capable of adding hundreds of miles of range to an electric vehicle in just five minutes.

The Chinese carmaker gave a live demonstration of the game-changing system at its UK headquarters in Uxbridge ahead of the technology’s rollout.

Unveiled earlier this year, the revolutionary technology delivers up to 1,500kW of power through a single connector, completely transforming electric vehicle charging.

Paired with the brand’s second-generation Blade Battery 2.0, it achieves an unprecedented 5% to 70% charge in just five minutes, a 10-97% charge in nine minutes and a 20-97% charge at -30°C in just 12 minutes – demonstrating the principle of ‘Ready in 5, Full in 9, Cold Add 3’.

BYD said the new system sets a benchmark for premium electric mobility, breaking down the final barriers to EV adoption.

The technology was demonstrated to members of the press, industry and VIP guests by the Denza Z9 GT – the first vehicle coming to the UK market capable of accepting Flash Charging. Based on its WLTP combined range of 372 miles, a five-minute charge can add 223 miles of range and a nine-minute charge adds 323 miles.

Attendees were also able to witness the design of the Flash Chargers. The T-shaped charging unit houses two cables, each of which hangs vertically on a rail. These two features not only make it much easier to connect to a vehicle than traditional chargers – regardless of where the charge port is located – but they also prevent the cable from dragging across the ground and getting wet or dirty.

Also notable is the fact that Flash Charging demands no more significant infrastructure from the grid than standard, slower electric vehicle chargers. Energy for charging vehicles is supplied by on-site battery storage, whose charge is gradually topped up at all times of day when required – from as little as 100kW and as much as 560kW, depending on demand.

This grid-friendly design ensures a fast rollout; 300 chargers are planned to be installed at Denza stores and other locations by the end of 2026.

BYD executive vice president Stella Li said: “Flash Charging’s ability to make our second-generation Blade Battery ready in five minutes, full in nine minutes and to add just three minutes in cold weather sets a new standard for the future of premium mobility. Our Denza brand is driven by technology that inspires, and witnessing Flash Charging today, as shown by the Z9 GT, is truly inspirational.”