BYD announced Tuesday that it will integrate solar power generation, its proprietary Flash Charging technology, and robotic arms into a single EV charging system. The Flash Charger stores electricity in two on-site 185-kilowatt batteries, allowing faster charging than direct grid draw. Each station has two connectors capable of up to 1,500 kW charging if one connector is in use, or 1,000 kW if two cars share the station. Tesla's new V4 Superchargers top out at 500 kW, while Electrify America's fastest DC chargers reach 350 kW.
BYD claims charge times of 10% to 70% in five minutes, 10% to 97% in nine minutes, and 20% to 97% in 12 minutes in minus 30-degree Fahrenheit conditions. Solar panels on the station's canopy feed power to the local batteries, reducing grid reliance in remote areas. The company launched the system in the United Arab Emirates.
Robotic arms locate a vehicle's charging port, open the cover, and insert the connector automatically. Tesla proposed this concept a decade ago. Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Xiaomi have since built their own versions.
BYD plans to install 6,000 Flash Charging stations worldwide by the end of next year. The company does not specify how many stations will initially include solar power or robotic arms.