BYD is going where no EV has gone before to put its new Blade Battery and 5-minute Flash Charging tech to the test. The new Song Ultra EV, equipped with the new tech, will drive over 2,700 miles (4,395 km) across China’s largest expressway, becoming the first to complete the full trip.
BYD Song Ultra EV with Flash Charging put to the test
On May 16, Lu Tian, general manager of BYD’s Dynasty series, announced the new Song Ultra EV would begin the journey.
The Lianyungang-Khorgos Expressway stretches 4,395 km (2,730 miles) across China, the largest of its kind. According to Tian, “no pure electric vehicle has yet completed a full journey on it.”
BYD will attempt to become the first as its new flash chargers continue rolling out across China, including the expressways.
As of May 15, BYD had deployed 5,979 Flash Charging stations across 312 cities in China. Later this year, it will begin rolling out the new stations in Europe and other overseas markets.
BYD officially launched the Song Ultra EV in China on Thursday, March 26, starting at 151,900 yuan ($22,000). That’s far lower than the expected 220,000 yuan ($31,900) starting price, and the 155,000 yuan ($22,500) pre-sale price.
Demand has already exceeded expectations. In its first week on the market, the new electric SUV received over 10,000 orders. As of April 2, the total reached 37,216. According to the latest update, the new Song Ultra EV secured 61,240 orders in its first month on the market.
Range anxiety is a thing of the past
The new Song Ultra EV is available in four trims, priced from 151,900 yuan ($22,000) to 179,900 yuan ($26,000). All variants will be powered by BYD’s new Blade Battery 2.0, with two battery pack options: 68.4 kWh and 82.7 kWh, providing CLTC ranges of 375 miles (605 km) and 441 miles (710 km).
With BYD’s Flash Charging tech, the Song Ultra EV can charge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes. To reach 97%, it takes 9 minutes, while in temperatures as low as -30°C (-20°F), it takes just 12 minutes.
While those who pre-ordered received a free 18 months of free Flash Charging, BYD is still offering a free year as standard on all trims.
Inside, the Song Ultra EV features a clean, minimalist design with a 15.6″ central infotainment and 10.25″ driver cluster, plus an added 26″ head-up display.
The electric SUV is equipped with a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering a maximum output of 362 hp (270 kW).
It also features BYD’s DiSus-C intelligent body control system that adjusts damping in real time to minimize bumps and vibrations.
The top three trims offer BYD’s “God’s Eye B” as an option, with a roof-mounted LiDAR and 27 sensors supporting ADAS features, including Level 3 highway and city driving and automated parking.
Measuring 4,850 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,840 mm, the Song Ultra EV is slightly bigger than the Song L DM-i PHEV.
BYD’s new Song Ultra EV competes with other popular midsize electric SUVs in China, including the XPeng G6, Leapmotor C11, Deepal S7, and Tesla Model Y.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
