BYD is bringing 5-minute EV charging to Europe

Chinese EV owners can now spend less time charging and more time driving, thanks to BYD's flash charging tech. The Chinese electric car maker is bringing the innovation to Europe, even as its sales continue to balloon on the continent.

BYD VP Stella Li shared the news in Belgium's capital city, Brussels. She said the benefits of ultra-rapid charging would extend to even older EVs, which would need about 30 percent less time to fill up.

BYD will roll out the new 5-minute chargers in Europe in the next 12 months. It will initiate the build-out from its dealerships and is already engaging local partners to expedite the process.

The 1000-volt flash tech will make charging EVs comparable to traditional fuel stops. Li said it would be a game changer and boost drivers' confidence in electric mobility. Her company has begun installing the new chargers in China following a launch in March.

BYD is gunning for the top spot in the European EV market as it competes with Tesla. Li said sales in the continent are growing by 10 percent every month. BYD will support the expansion of its footprint with a manufacturing facility, R&D, and new regional headquarters in Hungary. The company is committed to "build in Europe to sell in Europe."