Sinopec and BYD Collaborate to Convert Shanghai Hongqiao Petrol Station into 1,500-Kilowatt Ultra-Fast Flash Charging Hub

Nation’s First Oil-to-Electric Flagship Charging Station Opens

Sinopec has partnered with BYD to convert a petrol station adjacent to the Shanghai Hongqiao Transportation Hub into an ultra-fast flash charging flagship station, which officially commenced operations recently. This charging station serves as the first demonstration site under the collaboration between the two companies to advance charging network development, signifying a major step in the transformation of traditional energy sites. During the renovation, Sinopec removed the existing underground fuel tanks and petrol infrastructure to make space for the charging equipment.

The station is equipped with six T-shaped chargers, each with a maximum power output of 1,500 kilowatts, and includes four of BYD’s second-generation blade batteries per charger to act as grid buffers. The total battery capacity per charger ranges between 169 and 185 kilowatt-hours. Each charger features two charging cables, enabling simultaneous service for up to 12 electric vehicles. BYD’s flash charging technology can boost battery levels from 10% to 70% in five minutes and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes, significantly reducing charging time.

Partners Plan to Deploy 20,000 Flash Charging Stations

Sinopec and BYD signed a cooperation agreement in Beijing on June 3 this year to jointly advance the development of a flash charging network. According to the agreement, the two companies aim to build 20,000 flash charging stations across China by the end of 2026. The Shanghai Hongqiao station, as the first flagship site, is strategically located near the high-traffic Hongqiao Transportation Hub, close to high-speed rail, airports, and major urban roads, offering high visibility and convenience.

Li Yunfei, General Manager of Brand and Public Relations at BYD Group, stated that the launch of this charging station represents a key milestone in the collaboration between Sinopec and BYD in charging infrastructure. He emphasized that the application of flash charging technology not only enhances charging efficiency but also provides electric vehicle users with a more convenient energy replenishment experience.

Blade Batteries Enable High-Power Charging

BYD introduced its second-generation blade battery and flash charging technology earlier this year, highlighting their high safety and performance. The blade batteries utilize lithium iron phosphate material, offering long cycle life and high thermal stability, making them well-suited for high-power charging applications. The four blade batteries installed at the flash charging station serve as grid buffers, effectively balancing charging loads and reducing strain on the power grid.

Each charger’s 1,500-kilowatt capacity far exceeds the typical 120 to 350 kilowatts found in most fast-charging equipment on the market, showcasing BYD’s leadership in ultra-fast charging technology. While BYD has already deployed flash charging stations in multiple cities across China, the high power and density configuration at the Shanghai Hongqiao station underscore its role as a flagship demonstration site.

New Opportunity for Traditional Energy Companies to Transform

As one of China’s largest refined oil suppliers, Sinopec has been actively expanding into the new energy sector in recent years. This collaboration with BYD not only accelerates the transformation of traditional petrol stations but also sets a new benchmark for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in China. The conversion of the Shanghai Hongqiao station demonstrates the feasibility of transitioning from oil to electricity, and whether Sinopec will continue to convert its petrol stations into charging hubs has become a focal point for the industry.

Although BYD has not yet disclosed specific vehicle models fully compatible with the flash charging technology, industry observers widely believe that models equipped with the second-generation blade battery, such as the Seal and Dolphin, will be able to fully leverage the high-power advantages of the flash charging stations. This collaboration model also provides a reference for other traditional energy companies seeking transformation, with expectations that more petrol stations will be converted into charging hubs in the future, further promoting the adoption and development of electric vehicles.

Sinopec Partners with BYD to Transform Shanghai Hongqiao Petrol Station into Ultra-Fast Flash Charging Flagship Hub

Nation’s First Oil-to-Electric Flagship Charging Station Opens

Partners Plan to Deploy 20,000 Flash Charging Stations

Blade Batteries Enable High-Power Charging

New Opportunity for Traditional Energy Companies to Transform

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