BYD to launch UK's first five minute charge EV despite absence of compatible chargers
By Eve
Chinese carmaker BYD will release the Z9GT electric vehicle in Britain this summer, capable of charging from 10 per cent to 70 per cent in five minutes and fully in nine minutes using its Blade 2 battery technology. The vehicle offers up to 500 miles of range, but the five minute charge requires ultra high power chargers that do not yet exist in the UK, where typical rapid charging takes around 45 minutes.
Why it matters: The launch highlights a critical infrastructure gap for charge point operators, as delivering the promised five minute charging will require deployment of new ultra rapid charger hardware significantly more powerful than current UK networks. BYD's move may accelerate procurement demand for next generation charging equipment to support vehicles already entering the market with advanced fast charging capability.