Drivers are rapidly gaining confidence in electric cars thanks to BYD’s new Flash Chargers, which can charge an EV in less than 10 minutes, new data shows.
New research has found that 90 per cent of used car dealers say the impressive Flash Charging technology will be a “game changer” for electric vehicles.
BYD has confirmed its plans to install hundreds of Flash Chargers across the UK by the end of the year, in a move that could dramatically increase uptake of EVs.
The technology, which is already commonplace across China, is able to charge an EV with a Blade Battery 2.0 in less than 10 minutes – rivalling speeds seen at a petrol station.
The battery can be charged from five to 70 per cent in five minutes, from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes, and even fully charged in -30C temperatures in as little as 12 minutes.
BYD first displayed the Flash Chargers in the UK last month as it prepares to roll out its new Denza Z9GT supercar from its premium, technology-led brand.
Research from July’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows that 78 per cent of dealers believe that the technology will make charging an electric car as easy as refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle.
Just over half of respondents reported that the new technology would allow a public charger to be used like a fuel pump, with drivers arriving and leaving within a short space of time.
BYD debuted its Flash Charger technology in the UK for the first time in June
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BYDPaul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, described the introduction of Flash Chargers as a “step change” in EV charging as drivers want to invest in the technology.
He said: “BYD plans to introduce flash charging on some models later this year, claiming to charge from 10-70 per cent of battery capacity in five minutes, backed up with a network of proprietary high-speed chargers.
“Especially, it opens the door to easier EV ownership for people living in terraced houses and apartments who don’t have driveways where their own overnight charger can be installed.”
BYD’s Flash Chargers are already the fastest readily available EV chargers on the market, with more than 6,600 across China.
BYD is planning to install around 300 Flash Chargers across the UK by the end of the year | BYD
During the brand’s first demonstration of the technology at its Uxbridge headquarters, Stella Li, executive VP of BYD, described it as “another significant landmark” for the Chinese marque.
She added: “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.”
All energy provided for the Flash Chargers is supplied by on-site battery storage that is gradually topped up at all times of the day.
BYD’s Flash Charger technology can fully charge an EV in just nine minutes
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BYD
This can be as little as 100kW, but also as much as 560kW, depending on the demand from drivers at the charging site.
Mr Burgess highlighted how 87 per cent of dealers said other manufacturers would be forced to follow BYD’s lead and introduce their own rapid charging capabilities.
He added: “It’s interesting some manufacturers have said they could emulate the BYD approach but don’t think it is ultimately good for range and long-term battery health.
“We could potentially see a battle between different approaches to battery tech playing out in the EV market.”