BYD Unveils Electric Car That Charges In 12 Minutes
Credit: Denza
The first customers in China have begun receiving their updated flagship sedan, the Denza Z9GT. According to BYD, the updated Denza Z9GT is the world’s first mass-produced and marketed model equipped with a Blade Battery 2.0 and ultra-fast charging support. The car is very affordable for its specifications, with prices ranging from 269,800 to 369,800 yuan.
BYD first demonstrated its “fast charging” technology, which allows electric vehicles to be charged almost as quickly as gasoline, a year ago. The Z9GT, part of the premium Denza brand, can be charged to 70% capacity in five minutes and almost fully in 12 minutes, even in temperatures as low as -30°C. The car has a range of up to 800 km and will be launched in Europe next month and in the UK this summer.
BYD plans to begin rolling out hundreds of its fast charging stations in Europe this year. The company currently operates over 4,200 such stations in China, with plans to expand that number to 20,000 worldwide by the end of the year. This move echoes Tesla’s Supercharger fast charging stations, which have helped promote the brand and maintain customer loyalty.
Electric vehicle sales grew sharply last year, accounting for 17.4% of total sales in the EU, compared to 13.6% in 2024. In December, battery-powered models overtook gasoline-powered cars for the first time, and sales continue to grow this year. However, penetration rates vary significantly across the continent: many parts of Eastern Europe still lack charging infrastructure.
The vehicle has already arrived at dealerships across China. BYD has simultaneously launched a customer incentive program, including a year of free ultra-fast charging, discounts on options, preferential financing, and enhanced trade-in subsidies.
