BYD launches flagship flash-charging EV hub in Shanghai

BYD has launched its first flagship flash-charging station in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with Sinopec. The facility, a former Sinopec gas station, has been converted into a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) hub. The site utilizes BYD’s flash-charging technology, which is capable of delivering up to 1,500 kilowatts of power through a single connector, potentially allowing certain EVs to charge from 10% to 70% in just five minutes.

To manage high power demands without requiring massive new utility connections, the station employs battery buffers that store energy and discharge it rapidly to vehicles. This system allows the site to draw only 100 kilowatts from the grid to recharge the buffers and can also serve as backup power during grid outages. This conversion is part of a broader strategic initiative between BYD and Sinopec, with BYD aiming to establish 20,000 flash-charging stations across China by the end of the year.

In addition to infrastructure expansion, BYD reported that its fleet of vehicles equipped with driving assistance systems has surpassed 3.52 million units. The company’s “DiGod’s Eye” system generates over 220 million kilometers of driving data daily, supporting the development of autonomous driving capabilities.