10-minute charge and 1,000 km range for the new EV revolution

BYD recently unveiled the Blade Battery 2.0 at its Disruptive Technology event, a new generation of battery technology that aims to eliminate so-called “charging anxiety.” The company promises ultra-fast charging and a range that surpasses most electric vehicles today.

The new battery is said to charge from 10 to 70 percent in five minutes, and from 10 to 97 percent in nine minutes. Even in extreme cold. At −30 °C after 24 hours, charging from 20 to 97 percent should take just 12 minutes. BYD claims these speeds are 30 to 50 percent faster than most EVs today, with the last 3 percent of capacity intentionally left for regenerative braking.

The company also claims a range of over 1,000 km on a single charge, measured under the Chinese CLTC standard, which is known for being more optimistic than the EPA or WLTP. The battery is designed for a high-voltage architecture and improved thermal management, which BYD describes as the “impossible triangle.” It’s about combining performance, range, and fast charging.

The first model to feature the new battery will be the Yangwang U7, a four-motor electric car with a claimed range of 1,006 km. The Denza Z9 GT will follow, with a range of up to 1,036 km, and prices in China are expected to start at around €36,000. BYD also plans to install 20,000 fast charging stations by the end of the year, 18,000 of which will be on existing infrastructure. Each will have a capacity of up to 1,500 kW, which is three times the capacity of Tesla’s V4 chargers (500 kW).

The Blade Battery 2.0 comes as BYD is feeling the pressure from its domestic market. Electric vehicle sales fell 35.8 percent in early 2026, and profits fell 32.6 percent in the third quarter of last year. Average electric vehicle prices in China fell 11 percent last year due to a fierce price war. The new battery is BYD's attempt to revive demand and differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive environment.