In Brief
BYD launches in Europe its first ultra-fast charging network, Flash Charging, with a public station in Germany, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. The technology enables a record-breaking power of up to 1,500 kW, allowing, for example, the Denza Z9 GT to reach 70% charge in 5 minutes and 97% in 9 minutes. The manufacturer plans to deploy 6,000 charging points by the end of 2026, including 3,000 in Europe, far surpassing the powers offered by Tesla, Electra, or Ionity. The exact price per kWh remains to be disclosed, but BYD marks a key milestone in democratizing ultra-fast charging on the European continent.
The BYD maker is betting on ultra-fast charging to drive the shift to electricity. In China, its vehicles require less than 10 minutes for a nearly full recharge. To achieve this, ultra-fast chargers are necessary and must be deployed. After a demonstration charging station installed at UTAC’s Mortefontaine testing site, the first public station was installed in Germany.
6,000 charging points by end of 2026
BYD’s strategy is clear: flood the world with its Flash Charging ultra-fast chargers. 6,000 connectors are expected by the end of 2026, including 3,000 in Europe. It’s evident that Europe is now at the center of BYD’s attention, and deploying chargers capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW is no small feat.
Indeed, BYD is counting on this technology to keep appealing to more Europeans. Charging time remains a key marketing argument when choosing an electric vehicle. The fastest EV to charge in Europe is currently the Denza Z9 GT—i.e., a BYD!
Very fast charging
BYD’s Flash Charging stations offer very rapid charging thanks to their maximum power of 1,500 kW. The Denza Z9 GT can accept up to 1,000 kW for a 70% fill in 5 minutes and 97% in 9 minutes. Charging becomes as quick as a gasoline fill-up, and this technology should soon be rolled out across BYD’s entire lineup. It’s therefore essential to quickly provide a network tailored to this charging technology.
BYD is thus the second automaker to have its own fast-charging network, after Tesla, which understood early on the value of offering rapid charging to accelerate EV adoption. But BYD arrives with the most powerful charger currently on the market. By comparison, when Electra or Ionity launch 600 kW chargers using Alpitronic products, BYD delivers 2.5 times more power.
And the comparison with Tesla stings for the American automaker. Its best chargers, the Supercharger V4, offer a maximum of 500 kW. Power isn’t everything, of course: the price per kWh and the density of the charging network also matter.
What remains to be seen is how much BYD will charge per kWh. The brand’s pricing will depend on the electricity resale price at each site. But given BYD’s ambitions, the offered charging could be not only ultra-fast but also among the most affordable.
Comparison Table
| Network/Manufacturer | Max Power (kW) | Charge Time (Denza Z9 GT) | Planned Points (Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Flash Charging | 1,500 | 70% in 5 min, 97% in 9 min | 3,000 by end of 2026 |
| Electra/Ionity (Alpitronic) | 600 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Tesla Supercharger V4 | 500 | Not specified | Not specified |
Key Takeaways
- BYD is launching in Europe its ultra-fast charging network Flash Charging, with a first public station in Germany.
- BYD chargers offer a maximum power of 1,500 kW, a record on today’s market.
- By the end of 2026, 3,000 charging points will be deployed in Europe, out of a total of 6,000 worldwide.
- The Denza Z9 GT, BYD’s model, can reach 70% in 5 minutes and 97% in 9 minutes on these chargers.
- BYD outpaces Tesla, Ionity, and Electra in terms of maximum charging power.
- The price per kWh has not yet been disclosed, but BYD aims for a potentially very competitive rate.
FAQ
What is BYD’s Flash Charging?
BYD’s Flash Charging is a network of ultra-fast charging stations capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW, dramatically speeding up electric-vehicle recharge times.
How many BYD charging points are planned in Europe?
BYD plans to install 3,000 Flash Charging points in Europe by the end of 2026.
How long does it take to recharge the Denza Z9 GT?
The Denza Z9 GT can be recharged to 70% in 5 minutes and to 97% in 9 minutes thanks to BYD’s ultra-fast chargers.
How does BYD’s maximum charger power compare to Tesla?
BYD’s chargers reach up to 1,500 kW, three times the 500 kW max of Tesla’s Supercharger V4.
Will the price per kWh be competitive on the BYD network?
The price per kWh on the BYD network has not yet been announced, but BYD’s ambitions could make it among the most affordable options.
