Flash Charging debuts in the UK

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Neil Goodwin is an in-house content writer at Select covering all things automotive. A former national newspaper journalist and PR consultant, he loves his motorcycles as much as he loves his cars....

Published 11 June, 2026, 11:00 GMT

BYD demos Flash Charging in UK for first time
Took place at BYD’s HQ in Uxbridge, west London
‘Ready in 5, Full in 9, Cold Add 3’
Aims to charge EV in same time it takes to fill a tank of petrol
Delivers up to 1500 kW through a single connector
Read our guide: Everything you need to know about Flash Charging

^{(BYD's T-shaped Flash Charge station)}

Ultra-rapid ‘Flash Charging’ for electric vehicles has been demonstrated in the UK for the first time - and it could put a rocket up the entire EV market.

The name ‘Flash Charging’ refers to proprietary tech from Chinese manufacturer BYD.

The idea is simple; wouldn’t it be good if you could recharge an EV in (roughly) the same amount of time that it takes to fill a tank of petrol and pop into the shop to pay for it?

We’ve already written a handy explainer that talks you through everything you need to know about Flash Charging.

But here’s a quick run-down to keep you in the loop.

^{(Denza Z9 GT being charged)}

What is Flash Charging for EVs?

It’s four times quicker than what we have now: Most rapid charging stations in the UK hit speeds of between 50kW to 150kW DC. Some get up to 350 kW DC. BYD’s Flash Charger tops out at 1500 kW - more than four times quicker than anything we’ve seen so far.

Those speeds are only possible on cars carrying BYD’s ‘Blade 2.0’ battery: That pack has a much higher energy density and also uses a clever 'FlashPass' Ion Transport System that reduces internal resistance and cuts heat generation at the source.

No, Flash Charging won’t kill the grid: Rather than draining all of the power from the grid, BYD’s Flash Chargers make use of on-site battery storage, whose charge is gradually topped at all times of day when required – from as little as 100 kW.

Roll out could be rapid: BYD wants 300 UK chargers up and running by the end of 2026. It’s ambitious, but there are already thousands in operation in China.

^{(Flash Charger's on-site battery storage)}

What does ‘Ready in 5, Full in 9, Cold Add 3’ mean?

This is BYD’s terminology for what you can expect when you turn up to a Flash Charger.

The battery charge can be increased from 5% to 70% (‘Ready’) in just five minutes, a 10-97% charge (‘Full’) in nine minutes, and a 20-97% charge, at -30°C in just 12 minutes (‘Add 3’).

^{(Denza Z9 GT charging progress)}

What UK cars can accept Flash Charging?

The first UK car to be able to accept Flash Charging will be the Denza Z9 GT. Yes, we know - that’s not a BYD car. Denza is, though, an upmarket BYD sub-brand.

The Denza Z9 GT is a stunning shooting brake and Porsche Taycan rival that’ll be here by the end of the year.

Via Flash Charging, the Z9 GT can add 223 miles of range in five minutes, while a nine-minute charge adds 323 miles.

^{(Easy-to-use BYD Flash Charger)}

Are BYD Flash Chargers easy to use?

That’s the idea, yes. BYD wants customers to be able to operate its Flash Chargers without straining their biceps or getting mucky in the process.

The T-shaped charging unit houses two cables, each of which hangs vertically on a rail.

BYD explains: “These two features not only make it much easier to connect to a vehicle than traditional chargers - regardless of where the charge port is located - but it also prevents the cable from dragging across the ground and getting wet or dirty.”

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li, said: “The first demonstration of Flash Charging in the UK is another significant landmark for the technology. 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.”

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Flash Charging debuts in the UK