Chinese carmaker BYD unveiled its new megawatt charging technology at Dubai Festival City, demonstrating how electric vehicles could soon be recharged nearly as quickly as refueling at a petrol station.
Charging Breakthrough
Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD and CEO of its Americas and Europe operations, said the system can deliver 400 kilometers of driving range in just five minutes. “It’s like going to the gas station and grabbing a coffee,” she remarked at the event. While no live charging stations are operational yet, the showcase marked the first international demonstration of the technology outside China.
Wider Rollout Plans
BYD confirmed that starting next year, the charging system will be compatible with all electric cars. The company is collaborating with partners in the UAE and across the Middle East to install over 600 fast-charging stations by the end of 2026, though the number of sites in the Emirates is still being finalized.
UAE as a Testing Ground
Li praised the UAE as an ideal hub for innovation. “This is the dream, and the UAE is the place to make your dream come true. Our company stands for ‘Build Your Dreams,’ and this country makes things happen,” she said.
The charging stations will use a universal connector, enabling most electric vehicles to connect, although Li cautioned that not all models may benefit from the full charging speed.
Boost for EV Adoption
Industry experts believe faster charging could play a decisive role in boosting electric vehicle adoption in the Emirates, which is pursuing its Net Zero by 2050 strategy. Li stressed that reducing charging times would make EVs more practical for daily use, easing concerns about long waits at stations.
Future Technologies
Alongside charging innovations, BYD is also working on autonomous driving and intelligent systems, which Li said will further enhance the driving experience for customers in the Middle East.