BYD set for UK launch of revolutionary EV chargers that provide 2km of range in just one second

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 22/01/2026

- 09:06

The Xi'an-based brand will start with an initial rollout of 300 chargers across the UK

Chinese manufacturing giant BYD is set to roll out hundreds of ultra-rapid chargers across the UK which have the power to charge electric vehicles within minutes.

BYD has confirmed plans to introduce its 1,000kW "Flash" chargers in the UK over the next 12 months in a further push for drivers to switch to electric.


The technology could act as a major catalyst to help drivers ditch petrol and diesel vehicles, with the Flash chargers matching the typical speeds of refuelling.

The BYD Super e-Platform allows drivers to charge their vehicles using a 1,000V high-voltage architecture, making it the fastest publicly available in the world.

BYD claims that the Megawatt Flash Charging technology can provide two kilometres worth of range in just one second, and a full charge in five minutes.

Bono Ge, BYD's UK country manager, confirmed the move during the brand's launch of the Sealion 5, which is the brand's new flagship hybrid.

It has a combined range of up to 631 miles, with 53 purely electric miles, with a starting price of just under £30,000.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Ge said: "Our flash charging technology can add 250 miles of range in just five minutes.

BYD's Flash chargers are capable of providing two kilometres of range in just one second

BYD's Flash chargers are capable of providing two kilometres of range in just one second

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GETTY

"That's the equivalent of 1.2 miles of range every second, and I can officially tell you, we plan to bring the technology to the UK, with a total of 300 flash chargers to be installed in the country within this year."

At present, there are almost 18,000 rapid and ultra-rapid EV chargers across the country, across more than 6,660 locations.

Demand continues to grow for more chargers, especially quicker devices, as an increasing number of drivers without home charging invest in electric vehicles.

BYD unveiled the Flash charging technology in March last year, with the Han L and Tang L SUVs being the first models compatible with the rapid charging speeds.

At the announcement event in China, BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu described the technology as the "ultimate solution" to addressing "charging anxiety".

Bono Ge said an initial launch of 300 chargers in the UK was the "right volume to launch with" before plans are made to increase the number of chargers.

There are already hundreds of Flash chargers across China, with Bono Ge previously noting that a UK launch would take time.

Speaking at Everything Electric London last year, Mr Ge acknowledged the growing appetite for electric vehicles in the UK.

BYD's Flash chargers will be installed across the UK this year, with an initial run of 300 \u200bdevices

BYD's Flash chargers will be installed across the UK this year, with an initial run of 300 devices

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GETTY

However, he said there needed to be a genuine case for use in the UK, referencing the high costs for drivers using ultra-rapid chargers in public.

BYD is planning to launch the Denza Z9GT in April, as the Chinese manufacturer aims to continue its growth in the UK market with its sister brand.

The Z9GT was first exhibited in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with BYD describing it as having "many unique features" for the premium car market.

BYD was one of the fastest-growing brands in the UK last year, with an impressive 2.54 per cent market share, as well as an increase in year-on-year sales of 485 per cent.