BYD officially unveiled its second-generation blade battery

The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker officially released the second-generation blade battery and Flash Charging technology on Thursday, setting a new record for charging speeds. It takes only five minutes to charge from 10% to 70%, and just nine minutes from 10% to 97% 

BYD today officially unveiled its second-generation Blade Battery and Flash Charging technology. The advancements boost battery energy density and dramatically reduce charging times, even in extreme cold. A cornerstone of the new technology is its unprecedented charging speed. 

The second-generation Blade Battery can charge from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes, and from 10% to 97% in 9 minutes. Impressively, even in sub-zero conditions, the system maintains remarkable efficiency: a 20%-97% charge takes 12 minutes at -20°C, and the same 12 minutes at -30°C, just three minutes longer than at ambient temperatures for the 20%-97% range. Furthermore, when using standard charging piles, the second-generation Blade Battery charges 30%-50% faster than conventional EV batteries. 

Flash charging even in extreme cold

BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu explained at a launch event that stopping the charge at 97% is a deliberate energy-saving measure. The remaining 3% capacity is reserved for regenerative braking, which helps reduce the vehicle's overall energy consumption. Beyond speed, the second-generation Blade Battery boasts several significant improvements over its predecessor. It achieves 5% higher energy density, promises a longer lifespan, and adheres to even stricter safety standards. Demonstrating its capabilities, the Denza Z9GT, equipped with the new battery, achieves a range of 1036 km on a single charge. 

To support this new technology, BYD is rolling out a new generation of Flash Charging stations. These stations feature an innovative T-shaped design, making the charging gun more accessible and convenient. The charging gun itself is more compact and includes dedicated waterproof protection. An upper sliding rail system allows for charging from greater distances, while the overall design reduces the physical footprint of the charging infrastructure. 

The flash charging badge

Mimicking traditional gas stations, these new Flash Charging stations will implement an idle fee for vehicles that overstay their charging time. Each charging gun delivers a maximum output of 1500 kW and operates at 1000V high voltage, ensuring rapid charging even in extreme cold. Alongside the new battery, BYD announced plans to establish a network of dedicated Flash Charging stations, with compatible vehicles featuring a unique tail badge to signify their advanced charging capabilities. According to the plan, BYD aims to establish 20,000 flash charging stations this year, including 18,000 “stations-within-a-station.” 

Wang Chuanfu stated that installation is “as simple as installing an air conditioner.” In the first two months of this year alone, BYD has already completed 4,239 charging stations, which are set to become operational starting tomorrow. Furthermore, BYD intends to deploy 2,000 highway charging stations by the end of the year, covering one-third of service areas, ensuring a BYD flash charging station every 100 kilometres. While achieving ultra-fast charging, the second-generation blade battery also increases energy density by over 5%, delivering superior range performance for vehicles. 

Charged to 96.51% in 10 mins 41 seconds, 1 min left to be fully charged

Ten BYD models will be the first to feature the battery. The Yangwang U7, equipped with a 150-kWh battery pack, achieves a pure electric range of 1,006 kilometers, while the fully electric Denza Z9GT boasts a range of up to 1,036 kilometers. In terms of lifespan and warranty, the new generation outperforms its predecessor. BYD has increased the guaranteed capacity retention rate by 2.5% and promised a lifetime warranty on the battery cells.