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BYD launches 18 months of free ultra-fast charging with Song Ultra EV
BYD is sweetening the shift to electric as fuel costs climb, offering 18 months of free ultra-fast charging to buyers of select models, including the new Song Ultra EV. The move comes as gasoline prices surge globally, making electric vehicles an increasingly attractive option for drivers focused on running costs and convenience.
Flash Charging meets Blade Battery 2.0
At the heart of the promotion is BYD's latest charging ecosystem: Flash Charging paired with the Blade Battery 2.0. BYD says Flash Charging stations are built like a traditional service station to speed vehicle turnover, and they can deliver up to 1,500 kW of power to compatible cars.
Key Flash Charging claims:
- 10% to 70% state of charge in about 5 minutes
- 10% to 97% in roughly 9 minutes
- 20% to 97% in 12 minutes even in very cold conditions (around -20°F)
Those figures put BEV charging times close to a conventional refuel, a major selling point as consumers weigh the practicalities of switching from internal combustion engines.
Song Ultra EV: specs and positioning
The Song Ultra EV is BYD's midsize electric SUV that comes equipped with the new Blade battery and Flash Charging hardware. Preorders for the model began recently with a starting price of 155,000 yuan (about 22,500 USD). Under CLTC testing it claims up to 710 km (around 440 miles) of range, placing the model competitively among long-range electric SUVs in its segment.
Practical highlights:
- Blade Battery 2.0 compatibility
- Flash Charging capability for rapid top-ups
- Competitive CLTC range for daily driving and longer trips
BYD began delivering the first batch of vehicles featuring this battery and charging tech to dealerships across 22 Chinese cities this week, signaling a rapid rollout of both cars and the supporting charging infrastructure.
Why free charging matters now
Rising fuel prices have sharpened the economics in favor of EVs. Industry commentary points to oil prices topping 110 USD per barrel recently, and gas prices jumping sharply in many markets. For example, AAA reported an average US pump price near 3.88 USD per gallon, roughly 33% higher than late February figures.
Lu Tian, general manager of BYD's Dynasty Online Sales Division, noted that domestic oil prices were expected to rise again, and framed the free charging offer as a one-step solution to avoid daily fuel price anxiety. According to BYD, many buyers could save nearly 20,000 yuan in electricity and refueling costs over the promotional period.
"Instead of worrying about oil prices every day, secure a worry-free driving plan now," reads the paraphrased pitch from BYD executives.
Market implications and context
This campaign underlines BYD's broader strategy since it stopped producing purely gasoline vehicles in 2022 and focused on EVs and plug-in hybrids. The bet has paid off: BYD ranked among the top global automakers in sales last year, surpassing some legacy brands.
Fast charging at scale changes consumer calculus. As charging networks expand and battery and powertrain efficiencies improve, EVs offer lower operating costs and the potential to use renewable energy for daily driving. For buyers who travel long distances or who value fast turnaround, ultra-fast charging bridges a key gap between electric and gasoline refueling.
Bullet points for buyers to consider:
- Verify local availability of Flash Charging stations before ordering
- Compare real-world range versus CLTC numbers, especially in cold weather
- Factor 18 months of free charging into total cost of ownership calculations
BYD's promotion is both a marketing push and a practical response to rising fuel prices, positioning the Song Ultra EV as a compelling option for drivers looking to switch to electric without sacrificing convenience.
Comments
Armin
Nice move by BYD but CLTC numbers always optimistic. 710 km? maybe in ideal lab, not in winter. 5-9 min top ups sound crazy tho, i'd want a real test
mechbyte
Wait 1,500 kW? is that even realistic... free charging for 18 months sounds great but where are the stations? seems like a regional thing, not for everyone
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