BEIJING: Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has seen a surge in consumer interest following the launch of its new Blade Battery and Flash Charging 2.0 system earlier this month, with dealerships reporting increased foot traffic and test-drive requests.
The technology, introduced on March 5, aims to improve electric vehicle charging speed and battery performance, particularly in colder conditions. The rollout comes as the company seeks to strengthen consumer confidence after a recent slowdown in sales growth in China’s competitive electric vehicle market.
Dealership staff in eastern China’s Shandong Province reported that customers visited showrooms in higher-than-usual numbers after social media clips and local reports highlighted the capabilities of the upgraded battery system.
Faster charging technology
According to the company, the second-generation Blade Battery offers higher energy density and faster charging speeds than the earlier version.
Under optimal conditions, vehicles equipped with the system can charge from 10 percent to 70 percent in about five minutes and from 10 percent to 97 percent in roughly nine minutes. Even in extremely cold temperatures of around minus 30 degrees Celsius, the system is designed to charge from 20 percent to 97 percent in about 12 minutes.
The improved cold-weather performance addresses a key challenge for electric vehicles in regions where winter temperatures can affect battery efficiency and charging speed.
Expansion of charging infrastructure
To support the faster charging technology, BYD has also announced plans to expand its charging network across China through a strategy called “Flash Charging China.”
The company aims to deploy about 20,000 high-power charging stations nationwide by the end of 2026. The network is expected to include dedicated highway charging sites and partnerships with existing charging operators to improve accessibility for compatible vehicles.
Consumer response at dealerships
Dealerships in Shandong reported a noticeable increase in showroom visits after news of the new battery system circulated online.
Sales staff said potential buyers were asking detailed questions about winter charging performance and overall charging speeds. Several showrooms also reported queues forming for test drives and vehicle demonstrations.
Industry observers say improved battery technology and faster charging could help address consumer concerns about electric vehicle convenience, particularly in colder climates.
The launch comes as Chinese automakers continue to compete on battery performance, charging infrastructure, and cost efficiency in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
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