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Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has introduced a major update to its signature Blade battery technology, marking the first significant upgrade to the system in six years. The company hopes faster charging speeds and longer driving ranges will help them outstrip its rivals in China’s intensely competitive EV market.
The second-generation Blade battery was unveiled during a live event in Shenzhen, where BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu outlined the improvements in charging speed, range and performance. According to Wang, the battery can charge from 20% to 97% in less than 12 minutes, even in extreme cold conditions of minus 20°C. The upgraded pack can deliver a driving range of up to 777 kilometres.
The new, higher-density battery technology could extend the range of premium vehicles even further; Wang said upcoming models from BYD’s luxury sub-brands Denza and Yangwang, including the Yangwang U7, may exceed a driving range of 1,000 kilometres. He also emphasised that the battery has passed safety tests surpassing China’s most recent national standards.
Alongside the battery launch, BYD announced plans to expand its fast-charging infrastructure, committing to grow its “Flash Charging” network to around 20,000 stations by the end of 2026. This includes roughly 2,000 located along major highways. As of early March, BYD had already built more than 4,000 charging stations.
During the three-hour launch event, the company introduced more than 10 vehicles equipped with the new Blade battery across its various brands. Prices ranged from 155,000 yuan (about $22,400) for the Song Ultra EV to 1.3 million yuan for the flagship Yangwang U8L.
Despite the technological improvements, some analysts remain cautious about the company’s outlook in China’s slowing EV market—in fact, BYD, historically China’s best-selling EV maker, was outsold by competitor Geely in the first two months of 2026. Eugene Hsiao said that while the battery represents an advance, it may not be enough to quickly restore BYD’s market share.
“Given the weakness in the Chinese EV market, we don’t expect share to be easily recovered and remain watchful to see how volumes play out,” he said.
BYD’s announcement comes as Chinese authorities encourage automakers to shift away from aggressive price competition toward higher-quality, more distinctive vehicles. The company has also introduced longer-range plug-in hybrids and financing offers in response to intensifying competition from rivals such as Geely and Tesla.
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