BYD Unveils Second-Generation Blade Battery with "Disruptive" Cold-Weather Charging Capabilities and 1,000 km Range

BYD's new Blade Battery can charge from 20% to 97% in 12 minutes at -20°C, enabling a 1,000 km range for luxury models like the Yangwang U7.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 9:08 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

Breaking the Cold-Weather Charging Barrier

At a major technology event held at BYD’s global headquarters in Shenzhen on Thursday, Chairman Wang Chuanfu introduced the second-generation Blade Battery, calling its performance "disruptive" for the industry. The hallmark of this new technology is its resilience in extreme environments; the battery is capable of achieving a near-full charge (20% to 97%) in less than 12 minutes while operating in temperatures as low as -20°C. This advancement is specifically targeted at overcoming "range anxiety" in northern regions, where traditional lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries typically suffer from significant charging slowdowns and capacity loss.

Setting New Benchmarks for EV Range

Beyond its thermal management capabilities, the second-generation Blade Battery significantly boosts energy density compared to its 2020 predecessor. Wang confirmed that the new cells will enable a driving range of more than 1,000 km for BYD’s premium lineup, specifically the Yangwang U7 luxury sedan and the Denza Z9GT. For standard configurations, the battery supports a range of approximately 777 km, representing a substantial leap in efficiency that places BYD at the forefront of the long-range EV market.

Safety and Technical Architecture

The new battery retains the safety-first philosophy of the original "Blade" design, which became famous for passing the rigorous nail penetration test without catching fire. The second-generation unit has reportedly passed updated safety tests that exceed China's newest national standards. Built on an 800V high-voltage platform, the battery utilizes nano-scale electrode reengineering and optimized cell stacking to achieve a volumetric pack utilization of 75%. This compact design allows for more energy storage without increasing the physical footprint of the battery pack.