BYD’s latest EVs can get close to full charge in just 12 minutes

Chinese automaker BYD is preparing to challenge luxury brands like Porsche and BMW in Europe with its latest electric vehicle, the Z9GT, which boasts an astonishing charging capability. This innovative vehicle can achieve a near full charge in just 12 minutes, rivaling the speed of refueling a traditional gasoline car. The Z9GT, part of BYD's premium Denza lineup, showcases the company’s groundbreaking 'flash charging' technology. It can reach 70 percent charge in a mere five minutes, maintaining this efficiency even in frigid conditions down to -30°C. With an impressive range of up to 800 kilometers, the Z9GT is set to launch in Europe next month, with a UK release scheduled for the summer. Pricing details have yet to be announced. Stella Li, BYD's international chief, emphasized that the Z9GT represents a significant step forward in the rollout of flash charging technology globally. As the company expands aggressively into the UK and European markets, it faces challenges in its home country, where sales have been impacted by a government crackdown on pricing competition. In February, BYD experienced a 41 percent drop in sales compared to the same month last year, marking its steepest decline in five years. Market analysts, such as Bernstein's Eunice Lee, anticipate that while March deliveries may continue to struggle, a rebound is likely in the second quarter as more flash charging-equipped models are introduced.