BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery. Photo from Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

Pingshan-based electric vehicle maker BYD unveiled its second-generation Blade Battery and a breakthrough flash charging system in Shenzhen on March 5, setting a new global record for charging speed among mass-produced vehicles.

The system can charge a battery from 10% to 70% in just five minutes, and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Even in extreme cold (-30°C), charging from 20% to 97% takes only about three minutes longer than at room temperature, significantly addressing long-standing issues of slow charging and reduced low-temperature performance.

Building on the first generation’s safety record — which included no fires during nail penetration tests — the second-generation Blade Battery offers improvements in performance, lifespan and low-temperature adaptability. Energy density is up about 5% compared with the predecessor. The Denza Z9 GT equipped with the new battery reportedly achieves a range of up to 1,036 km on a single charge.

To support such rapid charging, BYD has developed new charging piles capable of a single-nozzle output of 1,500 kW — the most powerful mass-produced charging pile in the world. Paired with an energy storage system with ultra-fast discharge capability, the setup helps mitigate grid capacity constraints while limiting stress on the power network, providing a more grid-friendly charging solution.

BYD plans to build 20,000 flash charging stations nationwide by the end of 2026. Owners of flash-charge-capable vehicles equipped with second-generation Blade Batteries will receive one year of free flash charging from the date of vehicle delivery.

BYD also unveiled the Seal 08, a new flagship sedan in its Ocean series, which features flash charging, rear-wheel steering, advanced driver assistance systems and the Yunnian-A technology.