The company unveiled its second-generation Blade Battery alongside a 1,500-kW charging system called FLASH Charging. Put together and in optimal conditions, BYD says the technologies allow compatible vehicles to recharge from 10% to 70% in about five minutes and from 10% to 97% in roughly nine. Even in subzero temperatures the system can charge a battery from 20% to 97% in about 12 minutes.

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BYD says the Blade Battery 2.0 improves both charging speed and energy density, and increases energy density by about five percent compared with the original version, enabling driving ranges of more than 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) under China’s CLTC test cycle, which could translate to well north of 400 miles EPA.

The mechanism behind such an improvement is what BYD is calling a “FlashPass” ion transport system, which uses specially designed cathode, electrolyte, and anode that reduce internal resistance and heat buildup and allow for faster lithium-ion movement within the battery.

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The charging hardware itself is designed to be easier to use than conventional stations. BYD’s FLASH Charger features a T-shaped overhead cable system that keeps connectors off the ground and allows drivers to plug in more easily.

BYD has already installed more than 4,200 of the new charging stations in China and plans to deploy about 20,000 by the end of the year. The stations include energy-storage systems that help deliver ultra-high charging power even where local electrical grids may have limitations.

The first vehicle expected to use the new technology in Europe will be the Denza Z9GT, a premium electric wagon from BYD’s luxury sub-brand Denza. Additional details about international rollout plans for the charging network are expected later.