BYD has partnered with Sinopec to convert a traditional petrol station in Shanghai into a state-of-the-art Flash Charging hub for electric vehicles. This marks the first joint project between the automaker and the state-owned petroleum giant, aiming to redefine EV charging convenience in one of China’s busiest transport corridors.
First Flash Charging Hub Opens in Shanghai
The newly launched Flash Charging hub is the first to be jointly operated by BYD and Sinopec, following their partnership agreement in June 2024. Located next to the Hongqiao Transport Hub—which includes Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, a high-speed rail station, and three metro lines—the site is designed to serve both local commuters and long-distance travelers.
The hub features 12 charging stalls, with six ‘T’ shaped stands each offering two charging cables. In addition to charging facilities, the site includes a rest area with tables, reclining chairs, and a health monitoring station that measures blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
Enhanced Amenities and Infrastructure
Unlike most charging stations in China, which typically offer only basic amenities, the Flash Charging hub retains Sinopec’s ‘Easy Joy’ convenience store. Now unmanned and open 24 hours, the store provides beverages, snacks, instant noodles, and cigarettes, with all transactions handled via digital payment.
The conversion also involved removing the station’s petrol tanks to make room for Flash Charging buffer batteries, according to BYD-focused outlet Di Fen Zhi Jia. The hub’s chargers are equipped with four Blade batteries, offering a total buffer capacity of either 169 or 185 kWh. These batteries allow the chargers to draw just 100 kW from the grid, recharging during off-peak times.
Flash Charging Technology Details
BYD’s Flash Charging technology is designed to bring EV charging times closer to those of traditional refueling. The company claims that Flash Charging-equipped NEVs can charge from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes, and from 10% to 97% in 9 minutes. Even in extreme cold, charging is only 3 minutes slower at -30°C.
This technology is being rolled out to both BYD’s electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, with recent models such as the Denza Z9S and Seal 06 featuring Flash Charging capability.
Competitor Comparison
BYD’s Flash Charging network competes with other high-speed charging providers in China, including Xpeng’s S4 superchargers and NIO’s battery swap stations. While Xpeng focuses on ultra-fast DC charging and NIO emphasizes rapid battery swaps, BYD’s approach integrates advanced buffer batteries and enhanced customer amenities, aiming to provide a more comprehensive charging experience.
Historical Context
BYD’s expansion of its charging infrastructure comes amid rapid growth in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market. In 2024, NEV sales reached 4.27 million units, marking a 41.26% year-on-year increase. BYD now holds a 32% share of China’s total NEV sales, with volumes nine times higher than in 2019.
Why this matters
The transformation of petrol stations into EV charging hubs signals a major shift in China’s energy and mobility landscape. By leveraging Sinopec’s extensive retail network, BYD can accelerate the rollout of convenient, high-speed charging infrastructure, supporting the country’s growing fleet of electric vehicles.
This partnership also demonstrates how traditional energy companies and automakers can collaborate to meet evolving consumer needs and regulatory requirements in the transition to electrified transport.
What this means for buyers
For EV owners in Shanghai and beyond, the new Flash Charging hub offers faster charging times and improved amenities compared to standard charging stations. Buyers considering a BYD vehicle with Flash Charging capability can expect shorter wait times and greater convenience, especially in urban areas where such hubs are likely to expand.
Consumers should watch for further rollouts of these hubs at other Sinopec locations, as the partnership aims to make high-speed charging more accessible across China.
Related coverage from The Electric Viking
For more on BYD’s charging technology and market strategy, see BYD’s 1.5MW ‘Flash’ Charging Stations: What You Need to Know.
Key Specs
- Number of Charging Stalls: 12
- Buffer Battery Capacity: 169 or 185 kWh (~226 or ~249 kWh)
- Grid Power Requirement: 100 kW
- Charging Speed (10% to 70%): 5 minutes
- Charging Speed (10% to 97%): 9 minutes
- Charging Speed at -30°C: Only 3 minutes slower
- Location: Next to Hongqiao Transport Hub, Shanghai
- Convenience Store: 24-hour unmanned ‘Easy Joy’, digital payment only
