BYD's Second-Generation Blade Battery Makes Western EV Tech Look Ancient

"The second-generation Blade battery can charge from 10-70% in just about five minutes and from 10-97% in under 10 minutes. More impressively, the company showcased the battery charging flawlessly from 20-97% at -22F (-30C) in just about 12 minutes, only around three minutes slower than it charges in normal temperatures."

"That sort of efficiency is remarkable because traditional lithium-ion batteries charge painfully slowly in extreme cold. Frigid weather slows the transfer of electrons within the battery, which affects charging efficiency."

"In a video BYD posted on China's social media platform Weibo, the automaker showcased a Denza Z9GT, a luxury electric wagon, and a Yangwang U7, a high-performance premium electric sedan charging using the company's new 1,500-kilowatt Flash charging stations. The EVs were plugged in at 9% state of charge with 93 kilometers of range (57 miles). In 9 minutes and 51 seconds, they charged up to 97% with the range prediction in their gauge cluster displaying 1,008 kilometers (626 miles)."

BYD unveiled its second-generation Blade lithium iron phosphate batteries, featuring 5% improved energy density and significantly enhanced efficiency compared to first-generation packs. The batteries achieve ultra-fast charging speeds, reaching 10-70% charge in approximately five minutes and 10-97% in under 10 minutes. Remarkably, they maintain near-normal charging performance in extreme cold conditions, charging 20-97% at -22°F in about 12 minutes. BYD simultaneously launched new Flash charging stations delivering 1,500 kilowatts of power. The technology addresses traditional lithium-ion battery limitations in frigid weather by overcoming electron transfer slowdowns. These second-generation Blade batteries are entering production across roughly ten vehicle models, representing BYD's strategic response to intense competition in China's EV market following a significant sales decline.

Read at insideevs.com