Denza is set to launch its Z9GT model, featuring a novel battery technology unveiled by its parent company, BYD, last week. The vehicle boasts “flash charging” capabilities, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 70% in as little as five minutes.
The Z9GT can achieve a 10%-70% charge in just five minutes.
Even in temperatures as low as -30 Celsius, a recharge from 20% to 97% takes only 12 minutes. This represents coupled with a potential range of up to 800 kilometers (approximately 497 miles), significantly exceeding the range offered by many currently available electric vehicle models.
A key barrier to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles has been the lengthy charging times associated with even fast-charging compatible models, often requiring around 45 minutes for a substantial recharge. The Denza Z9GT’s charging time, however, is approaching that of refueling a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle.
BYD plans to initiate construction of its own flash-charging network in Europe this summer. This is necessary because currently, no existing charging station providers can deliver the 1,500kW of power required for the Z9GT’s rapid, minutes-long charging times.
The company experienced nearly 270% growth in European sales last year. However, BYD has faced challenges in its domestic Chinese market in recent months, being overtaken in sales by Geely in both January, and February. The phasing out of purchase tax exemptions for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in China has favored traditional manufacturers, with Volkswagen regaining its market leadership position in the country in January. Despite these headwinds, BYD continues to demonstrate substantial global growth, increasing sales from 420,000 units in 2020 to 4.6 million projected for 2025, establishing it as the world’s fifth-largest automaker.
Source: Reuters
The featured image is an illustration. Image source: Getty Images
