BYD 10-Minute Charging Debuts in Europe Pricey Cars

BYD Unveils Flash Charging Tech in Europe with the Denza Z9GT

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant, has made waves globally with its megawatt-capable "Flash" charging system. Last year, the company stunned the world by announcing a system that can substantially recharge its latest vehicles in just minutes. In March, BYD took it a step further by introducing the second generation of these chargers, along with a new, faster-charging version of its Blade battery. The outcome? Blazing-fast charging performance that finally dispels the idea that refuelling an EV can never match filling a gas tank.

Denza Z9GT: Flash Charging Comes to Europe

This week, BYD brought its Flash charging technology to the European market, unveiling the Denza Z9GT. This sporty station wagon, from BYD’s premium brand, boasts charging times that outshine many of its non-Chinese competitors. However, this cutting-edge convenience comes at a premium. The Z9GT starts at €115,000 (approximately CA$170,000), positioning it to rival some of Europe’s most esteemed high-end brands. For context, a Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo is priced at €107,500.

While Chinese consumers might find BYD vehicles affordable at home— the Z9GT costs under CA$40,000 in China— these bargain prices don’t translate directly when exported to countries with higher incomes, tariffs, and other factors.

Unbelievable Charging Speeds

The Z9GT is equipped with BYD’s latest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering incredible charging speeds. BYD claims the vehicle can recharge from 10%-70% in a mere five minutes and from 10%-97% in nine minutes. Even in extreme cold— at -30°C, a condition where EV charging usually slows dramatically— the Z9GT can go from 20%-97% in just 12 minutes.

To put these numbers in perspective, most EVs in North America typically need 25-40 minutes to charge from 10%-80%. Even top performers like the Porsche Taycan or Hyundai Ioniq 5 manage this in around 20 minutes. The Lucid Gravity, one of the fastest-charging cars in the U.S., can add 200 miles of range in about 11 minutes at a 400 kW charging station.

BYD demonstrated the Z9GT’s charging capabilities at a recent event for European media. According to a video by Felix Hamer, the Z9GT met all of BYD’s ambitious claims. Starting from 10% charge, the vehicle gained approximately 10% of its battery every 50 seconds initially, and then about 10% every minute. While charging usually slows down significantly after 80% to protect battery health, the Denza continued charging efficiently even beyond 90%.

Canadian Context and Availability

While the Denza Z9GT is currently making its mark in Europe, Canadian EV enthusiasts might wonder about its availability here. At this time, there is no official announcement regarding Canadian availability or pricing for the Z9GT. However, given BYD's growing global presence, it's plausible that the vehicle could arrive in Canada in the future.

For Canadian EV buyers, it's important to note the availability of provincial rebates and federal iZEV incentives, which can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing an EV. For instance, Ontario offers up to CA$4,000 through the Drive Clean Rebate and Incentive Program, while Quebec provides one of the most generous rebates in Canada, up to CA$7,500 for eligible vehicles. Additionally, federal incentives under the iZEV program offer up to CA$4,000 off eligible vehicles.

Flash Charging Stations in Europe

Fast charging is most effective when supported by an extensive network of high-power charging stations. BYD plans to install 3,000 Flash charging stations across Europe within the next 12 months. These stations feature innovative, T-shaped hardware that makes handling cables easier and prevents them from falling to the ground. The design also allows the charging plug to reach either side of a vehicle effortlessly.

These stations utilise both grid power and stationary storage batteries— also equipped with LFP Blade cells— to deliver up to 1.5 MW through a single cable. BYD has already installed 5,000 of these ultra-fast chargers in China.

Performance and Features

Beyond its impressive charging capabilities, the European-spec Z9GT boasts a 2.7-second acceleration time to 100 km/h, a refrigerated compartment for drinks, digital side-view mirrors, and a unique rear-wheel steering system that allows the vehicle to swivel its rear end into tight parking spots. While these features position the Z9GT as a competitor to luxury brands like Porsche, its Flash charging technology is its most standout feature.

The Future of EV Charging in Canada

For Canadian drivers, range anxiety remains a common concern, especially for those without home charging options. The possibility of a 10-minute charge, even if it seems excessive for daily use, could significantly alleviate these fears. Although such advanced charging technology and vehicles like the Denza Z9GT come with a high price tag today, history suggests that these innovations will become more affordable over time.

As BYD continues to expand its global footprint, Canadian drivers may soon have the opportunity to experience Flash charging firsthand, potentially revolutionising the EV charging experience in this country.