BYD to Introduce Ultra-Rapid Charging Technology in UK by 2026
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is gearing up to revolutionize the EV charging landscape in the UK with its groundbreaking 1,000kW Flash Chargers, set to launch in 2026. These ultra-rapid chargers will be capable of delivering an unprecedented 249 miles of range in just five minutes, significantly outpacing existing charging technologies.
The Flash Chargers represent a major leap beyond current industry standards, including Tesla’s Supercharger network, which operates at 250kW and can only deliver 172 miles of range in 15 minutes. BYD executive vice president Stella Li described the technology as a ‘game changer’ that will boost EV confidence and eliminate range anxiety.
Key Features of BYD’s Flash Chargers
- Capable of delivering 249 miles of range in just five minutes
- Operate at 1,000kW, far surpassing current CCS rapid chargers which cap at 500kW
- Utilise BYD’s new Super e-Platform with a 1,000V high-voltage architecture
- Paired with Flash Charging Battery, initially debuting in Han L and Tang L models
- Branded as BYD but ‘open to everybody’, not limited to BYD vehicles
Implementation and Compatibility
The chargers will initially be installed at BYD dealerships across the UK, with the company exploring additional partnerships and locations. However, significant technical challenges remain for European implementation, as most European EVs are currently limited to 200kW charging on 500A chargers. Only vehicles equipped to handle megawatt-level charging will benefit from the maximum speeds, although the chargers will still enable cars with older batteries to charge 20 to 30 per cent faster than normal rates.
BYD’s European Expansion Strategy
The Flash Charger rollout is part of BYD’s aggressive European expansion strategy. The company plans to open a production facility in Hungary this year, alongside a research and development centre and European headquarters in Budapest. BYD aims to be a major player in the European automotive market by 2030 and is directly challenging Tesla’s dominance in the EV charging market.
BYD currently operates 60 dealer locations across the UK and has seen a 570 per cent jump in new registrations compared to last year, with 14,807 cars sold so far in 2025. The company is set to launch the Dolphin Surf city EV for under £20,000 later this year, further expanding its UK offerings.
