Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD will introduce its groundbreaking 1,000kW Flash Chargers to the UK in 2026, delivering an unprecedented 249 miles of range in just five minutes.
The ultra-rapid charging technology, which adds approximately 1.2 miles of range per second, represents a significant leap beyond Tesla's Supercharger network, which operates at 250kW and delivers only 172 miles in 15 minutes.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li announced the European rollout in Brussels, describing the technology as a "game changer" that will boost EV confidence and eliminate range anxiety.
The chargers will initially be installed at BYD dealerships across the UK, though the company is exploring additional partnerships and locations.
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BYD plans to roll out its ultra-fast EV chargers across Europe soon
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Speaking to The Independent, BYD Special Advisor Alfredo Altavilla confirmed the UK launch timeline: "In 2026. You will get a few stations in every country in Europe.
"They will be branded BYD, but they will be open to everybody."
The Flash Chargers utilise BYD's new Super e-Platform featuring a 1,000V high-voltage architecture paired with a Flash Charging Battery, initially debuting in the Han L and Tang L models in China.
However, significant technical challenges remain for European implementation, as current CCS rapid chargers cap power at 500kW, with most European EVs limited to 200kW charging on 500A chargers.
Only vehicles equipped to handle megawatt-level charging will benefit from the maximum speeds, with BYD's Denza brand expected to introduce this advanced battery technology to the UK market.
The chargers will also enable cars with older batteries to charge 20 to 30 per cent faster than normal rates.
BYD's Flash Charger rollout forms part of the company's aggressive European expansion strategy, with Li confirming the manufacturer wants to be a major player in the European automotive market by 2030.
The company will open a production facility in Hungary this year, alongside a research and development centre and European headquarters in Budapest.
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Li stated: "We are going to build in Europe to sell in Europe. We are looking at the long term. We are here to stay."
BYD currently operates 60 dealer locations across the UK, with plans to launch the Dolphin Surf city EV for under £20,000 later this year.
Altavilla explicitly stated that BYD "aims to compete directly with Tesla's Supercharger network," marking a significant challenge to the American manufacturer's charging dominance.
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BYDSo far this year, BYD has sold an impressive 14,807 cars across the UK, marking an impressive 1,74 per cent of the total market share.
In comparison to last year, BYD has seen a 570 per cent jump in new registrations, with the brand only selling 2,207 vehicles in the first five months of 2024.
BYD is also looking to dominate vehicle sales by directly targeting Tesla. Despite its heritage as holding the crown of most EV sales, Tesla has just 200 more sales than BYD so far this year.
The gap is expected to grow in the coming months as Tesla begins deliveries of the new Model Y, although BYD will continue to post strong sales records.
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