Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled its megawatt charging technology in Dubai, demonstrating how electric vehicles could gain 400 kilometers of range in just five minutes. The breakthrough highlights how EVs could soon recharge almost as quickly as refueling at a petrol station.
Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD and CEO for the Americas and Europe, called the innovation a game-changer. “It’s like going to the gas station and grabbing a coffee,” she said during the showcase at Dubai Festival City. While public sites are not yet live, this marks the first international demonstration of the system outside China.
From 2025, the BYD megawatt charging technology will be compatible with all electric vehicles. The company is collaborating with partners across the UAE and Middle East to install more than 600 fast-charging stations by 2026, though the final number in the Emirates is still being decided.
Li praised the UAE’s role as an innovation hub, noting the charging stations will use a universal connector to serve most EVs, though not all models may achieve the full charging speed.
Industry experts believe the ability to recharge 400 kilometers in minutes could dramatically boost EV adoption in the Emirates, aligning with the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy. Li added that shorter charging times would make EVs more practical for daily use and reduce concerns about waiting at stations.
Alongside charging advances, BYD is also developing autonomous driving and intelligent vehicle systems to further improve the driving experience in the Middle East.