BYD is ready to launch a cutting-edge charging network for electric vehicles in Europe
BYD, known as the largest manufacturer of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the world, has recently been in the spotlight for its major strides in battery technology and charging solutions. Over in China, the company introduced its innovative “Flash Charging” system which features dedicated stations that can pump out an astonishing 1,000 kW of power. But wait, there’s more! During the recent IAA Mobility event held in Munich, BYD excitedly announced its plans to elevate this experience for European customers.
The goal? To roll out between 200 and 300 ultra-speed chargers starting in 2026, capable of delivering the full 1,000 kW through just one cable! That means you could potentially recharge about 250 miles of range in a mere five minutes. Sounds too good to be true, right?
These lightning-fast chargers are set to use the CCS connector, which is the go-to charging plug across Europe. To put things into perspective, this charging power more than doubles what the fastest public chargers in the area currently offer—maxing out at 400 kW. While the ultra-fast charging stations will primarily cater to Denza vehicles—BYD’s luxury line developed alongside Mercedes-Benz—specific details about their launch and deployment are still under wraps.
Scheduled for a 2026 launch, BYD’s European charging network is anticipated to be conveniently located along major highways and frequent routes, mimicking the ease of gas stations and aiming to provide drivers with seamless travel.
Let’s face it—five-minute charging isn’t something that’s available for most EV drivers right now. Plus, not every electric car can take advantage of BYD’s high-voltage 1,000-kW chargers. For that capability, vehicles need to be built on BYD’s cutting-edge 1,000-volt “Super E-Platform.” The first models to sport this config in China will include the luxurious Han L sedan and the sporty Tang L SUV. Both come packed with an enhanced version of BYD’s Blade battery designed to handle these impressive charging speeds.
If BYD can pull this off, drivers in Europe will finally enjoy a charging experience similar to stopping for gas — which, let’s be real, can take far too long today. The fastest EVs on offer usually require about 20 minutes to gain a decent amount of range. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV9 can charge from 5 to 80 percent in just 19 to 20 minutes, allowing for an extra 200 to 220 miles. Meanwhile, the notable 2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which is among the quickest-charging vehicles according to MotorTrend, takes around 17 minutes for the same charge—bringing in only about 200 miles. Whatever way you look at it, BYD’s ultimate goal with its advanced 1,000-kW charging technology is to shorten that window to just five minutes.
However, there’s a chance that BYD’s mighty 1,000-kW systems won’t land in the U.S. anytime soon due to current global conditions. Still, the world is pushing for quicker charging systems overall, and American EV drivers can keep their fingers crossed that innovations like this will lead to faster stops and smoother road trips in the near future.
Source: Motortrend.com
