China’s BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing to transform South Africa’s EV landscape. Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, revealed during her first visit to Johannesburg that the company plans to deploy a nationwide network of ultra-fast charging stations. This marks one of the most significant developments in South Africa’s fledgling electric vehicle industry and demonstrates BYD’s intent to compete directly with established automakers like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford.
Megawatt Flash Chargers with EV Refueling in Minutes
BYD’s Megawatt Flash Chargers, already deployed in China, will be the fastest EV charging stations in South Africa. Capable of delivering up to 400 km of range in about five minutes, these chargers reduce charging time to levels comparable with traditional petrol refueling. The stations will draw power from both the national grid and clean solar energy, allowing deployment in locations beyond major urban centers. While the latest EV models will fully exploit the chargers’ 1 MW output, all EV owners will benefit from faster charging speeds.
Expanding Nationwide Through Dealerships and Highways
Li confirmed that the first Flash Chargers will be installed at BYD’s growing dealership network, which the company plans to nearly triple by the end of next year, extending beyond metropolitan areas into smaller cities and towns. BYD aims for full national coverage, with 200 to 300 stations operational by the end of 2026. Highways and other strategic locations will also host megawatt-scale chargers, while urban centers will feature stations in high-traffic areas to ensure maximum accessibility.
Supporting EV Growth Through Collaboration
This announcement follows BYD’s recent memorandum of cooperation with Eskom, designed to advance electric mobility and support the launch of BYD’s compact all-electric Dolphin Surf model. The company also plans to offer home solar and battery solutions, helping EV owners reduce reliance on grid electricity for both vehicle charging and household energy needs.
While BYD has no immediate plans to manufacture vehicles or batteries locally, Li emphasized South Africa’s strategic importance as the continent’s largest automotive market. She encouraged government incentives such as lower EV import duties and subsidies to boost adoption. “South Africa is our starting point; once we succeed here, we can replicate the model across other African countries,” Li said, Emphasizing BYD’s long-term vision for the continent.
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