Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD plans to roll out ultra-fast chargers in the UK in 2026, aiming to transform the country’s EV charging infrastructure. The company’s new “Flash Chargers” can deliver up to 1,000kW of power, potentially charging an EV in just five minutes.
Earlier this year, BYD unveiled the charger, which can add up to 1.2 miles of range per second. In five minutes, that equals roughly 249 miles of driving range—similar to the time it takes to refuel a petrol car.
The new technology is expected to make EV ownership more convenient and could encourage more drivers to switch from petrol or diesel vehicles.
In an interview with The Independent, BYD special advisor Alfredo Altavilla confirmed that the first Flash Chargers will arrive in the UK next year. He said the company aims to challenge Tesla’s Supercharger network by offering a wide-reaching, fast-charging alternative.
“In 2026, you will get a few stations in every country in Europe,” Altavilla said. “They will be branded BYD, but they will be open to everybody.”
The Flash Chargers will be accessible to all EVs. However, only vehicles designed for megawatt-level charging will be able to take full advantage of the top charging speeds.
BYD’s latest vehicles are built on the company’s Super e-Platform, which features a 1,000V high-voltage system and a specially designed Flash Charging Battery. This setup is first available in BYD’s Han L and Tang L models, now on sale in China.
In Europe and the UK, the technology will debut in a new model from BYD’s sub-brand Denza. Denza vehicles will help bring BYD’s innovations to the region, along with high-performance models from its luxury brand, Yangwang.
