Chinese car manufacturer BYD plans to establish a network of ultra-fast charging stations for electric vehicles across Europe, announced BYD’s Vice President, Stella Li, during a meeting with journalists on Tuesday in Brussels.
Li believes this charging network will be revolutionary, as the new technology aims to reduce the charging time of electric vehicles to match the time it takes to refuel a traditional petrol car.
BYD’s system uses a 1,000-volt architecture. Currently, in China, BYD sells electric cars equipped with batteries capable of charging at this speed.
Stella Li claims that it’s possible to charge 400 kilometres of range in just five minutes, describing it as a "game changer" that will boost consumer confidence in electric driving. She also mentioned that the ultra-fast stations will enhance the charging speed for existing battery technologies, reducing charging time by 20 to 30%.
BYD intends to roll out its charging network in Europe within the next 12 months. The company will directly install some stations at dealerships and is also exploring partnerships with local entities.
By 2030, the Chinese manufacturer aims to become a major player in the European automotive market, according to Stella Li. BYD plans to open a production site in Hungary this year, alongside a research and development centre and its European headquarters in Budapest.
The company is experiencing significant success in Europe, with sales currently increasing by 10% each month. "We will assemble in Europe to sell in Europe. We are committed for the long term, and we are here to stay," asserted Li. More production sites might be established in Europe if BYD continues its sales momentum.
In Belgium, BYD operates 16 dealerships, including three directly managed locations in the Brussels area, and plans to increase this number to 20 by the end of the year.
