BYD proves flash charging at remote desert site as network tops 5,715 stations in China

BYD has conducted a flash-charging demonstration in the Tengger Desert in Alxa, Inner Mongolia, showcasing a working fast-charging station at the remote “Sha15” endpoint. The company used an FCB Tai 3 vehicle on-site to demonstrate charging capability under desert conditions, with staff reporting a 5-minute rapid charge and a full charge in 9 minutes during the test, according to Autohome.

The location is characterised by limited infrastructure and harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to sand and wind. The installation represents a deployment scenario outside typical urban or highway charging corridors.

Expanding network scale

The desert test comes as BYD continues to expand its flash charging network. The company announced it had reached 5,000 flash charging stations in early April 2026, just 27 days after the program launch. During the May holiday period, the total network scale was confirmed at 5,715 stations nationwide.

Separately, BYD has outlined plans to deploy 6,000 flash chargers overseas, alongside the expansion of its Denza brand in Europe with models such as the Z9 GT and D9.

Charging capability context

The demonstration figures of 5-minute and 9-minute charging align with BYD’s stated push toward ultra-fast charging infrastructure. The company has not detailed standardised testing conditions for the desert scenario, and performance may depend on vehicle compatibility, battery state, and environmental factors.

Real-world validation in extreme environments, such as deserts, complements previous deployments focused on urban and intercity use cases.

Industry push

China’s EV sector continues to prioritise expanding charging infrastructure, with multiple automakers and operators investing in high-power charging networks. BYD’s rapid rollout pace and remote-location testing indicate parallel development in both scale and deployment flexibility.

BYD Global EV Sales til April 2026

Sales data context

According to China EV DataTracker, BYD reported global EV sales of 314,100 units in April 2026, a 6.2% month-on-month increase but a 15.7% year-on-year decline. The company has recorded year-on-year declines for eight consecutive months, despite continued growth in overseas deliveries.