BYD's fast charging clocks 97 percent in 9 minutes

Chinese EV maker BYD launched its "Flash Charging" system in March, allowing drivers to charge their cars to 97 percent of the full battery capacity in just nine minutes.

For years, the biggest headache for many electric vehicle drivers has been the wait at the charging pile. However, the "Flash Charging" system is a game changer.

The new system uses high-voltage power to break through the old limits of charging speed, offering a major improvement for long-distance travel.

"It should be even faster in the summer, since the battery doesn't need time to warm up," said an electric vehicle owner.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, the car will be ready to go for another 600 kilometers.

The secret behind its ability to charge so quickly without crashing the power grid lies in its energy storage facility, which functions like a giant power bank. It stores electricity quietly during down-times, and pours it into your car when you plug in.

"Our 'Flash Charging' pile achieves a 10 fold improvement in power utilization compared to an ordinary public charging pile," said Wang Chuanfu, founder and chairman of BYD, at the launch ceremony.

BYD expects to reach 20,000 'Flash Charging' stations by the end of this year. That means in urban areas, drivers can expect to find one every 5 kilometers.

China now has more than 21 million charging infrastructure units, with a yearly increase of nearly 50 percent.

This vast network supports the country's 40 million new energy vehicles.