BYD Blade Battery Strategy Expands with Dual-Generation Production and Ultra-Fast Charging

The BYD blade battery strategy now includes a dual-generation approach, allowing both its original blade battery and newly introduced ultra-fast charging version to coexist in the market. The company aims to broaden customer choice while accelerating electric vehicle adoption through advanced charging capabilities and expanded infrastructure.

The announcement was made by Li Yunfei, general manager of the company’s branding and public relations division, during a recent media communication. According to Li, maintaining production of the original blade battery allows the manufacturer to serve different customer requirements while introducing next-generation technology.

Second-Generation Blade Battery Introduced

The company officially unveiled its second-generation blade battery and flash-charging technology on March 5. The latest system dramatically reduces charging time, enabling battery levels to increase from 10 percent to 97 percent in approximately nine minutes.

This breakthrough places the technology among the fastest charging solutions currently available for electric vehicles. The development represents a major step forward in addressing one of the key barriers to EV adoption: charging convenience.

Existing Battery to Remain in Production

Despite the introduction of the new high-speed charging battery, production of the original blade battery will continue. Company leadership emphasized that maintaining the earlier technology ensures multiple product options remain available to customers and vehicle manufacturers.

The decision also reflects the evolving cost environment within the battery supply chain. Rising raw material prices in recent months have affected production costs across the industry, influencing pricing strategies for vehicles equipped with newer battery systems.

Vehicle Pricing Adjustments Expected

The first batch of ten vehicle models integrating the latest battery technology will undergo price adjustments based on updated manufacturing costs. According to Li, pricing will reflect current raw material conditions and the advanced capabilities offered by the new system.

Maintaining two battery technologies simultaneously may help balance cost sensitivity in the market while enabling premium models to adopt the latest high-performance charging capabilities.

Major Investment in Flash-Charging Infrastructure

To support deployment of the new battery technology, BYD is investing heavily in charging infrastructure. The company plans to establish approximately 20,000 flash-charging stations by the end of the year.

The rollout includes a new asset-light installation model designed for rapid deployment in urban areas. The system requires only three parking spaces and eliminates the need for large-scale grid capacity expansion or complex construction work.

Installation has been described as being as simple as setting up an air-conditioning unit. This approach allows existing urban parking spaces and idle infrastructure to be repurposed for fast charging, improving accessibility for electric vehicle users.

Market Challenges and Recovery Expectations

The company is currently navigating a period of declining sales, with six consecutive months of reduced performance including a notable drop in February. The slowdown reflects broader softness in the automotive market during the early months of the year.

Despite these challenges, leadership remains optimistic that the rollout of next-generation battery technology and expanded charging infrastructure will help accelerate market recovery. Executives expect sales momentum to improve beginning in the second quarter as new technologies enter wider commercial deployment.