BYD has unveiled an automated electric vehicle charging system in Abu Dhabi that allows a car to park itself and connect to an ultra-fast charger without the driver handling a charging cable.
The installation, located in the Abu Dhabi desert, combines robotic charging, solar power generation, battery storage and BYD’s Flash Charging technology.
A driver can exit and lock a compatible vehicle, which then uses Automated Valet Parking to reach a designated charging bay.
Once parked, a robotic arm identifies the charging port, opens its cover and inserts the connector. Cameras and force-feedback sensors guide the arm into position.
The system removes the need for drivers to handle charging cables, particularly useful in the extreme heat of the Middle East.
BYD claims its FLASH Charging technology can replenish a compatible battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes, or from 10% to 97% in nine minutes under suitable conditions.
Reports from the Abu Dhabi demonstration indicated charging power reached 1,000 kW, although BYD’s official announcement did not specify the installation’s maximum output.
The facility also incorporates BYD’s Solar-Storage-Charging system, which captures electricity from solar panels and stores it in stationary batteries for subsequent vehicle charging.
BYD said the arrangement could operate independently of the electricity grid, making it suitable for locations where grid capacity is limited.
The Abu Dhabi project represents the first integration of these four technologies into a single BYD charging installation.
Executive vice-president Stella Li said the project marked the company’s first international presentation of its integrated solar, storage and Flash Charging technology.
BYD plans to set up 6,000 Flash Charging stations worldwide by the end of 2027 as it expands its ultra-fast charging infrastructure beyond China.
