At the Palazzo Orsini Taverna in Rome, BYD unveiled its ambitious “Estructura Polo Route for Peace,” a 43-day, 15,000-kilometer journey linking Italy and Hong Kong. Led by Executive Vice President Stella Li, the expedition puts BYD and Denza vehicles at the centre of a symbolic journey inspired by Estructura Polo’s travels.
Conceived by Patrick Zhong, founding managing partner of M31 Capital, and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development, the project aims to promote sustainable electric mobility and global connectivity. The route tests endurance and makes a statement about connecting continents through technology and environmental responsibility.
Electric Mobility in Focus
The Denza Z9 GT, selected as the journey’s flagship vehicle, pairs grand-touring design and interior comfort with BYD’s e3 platform and a three-motor configuration. It is the first BYD Group model launched in Europe with the second-generation Blade Battery and FLASH Charging. European pre-sale reporting placed the Z9 GT at about €115,000, with initial markets including Italy, France, Germany and Spain as part of a seven-country rollout.
BYD describes the charging system with the formula “Ready in 5, Full in 9, Cold Add 3”: a charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes, from 10% to 97% in nine minutes, and from 20% to 97% in 12 minutes at temperatures as low as -30°C. The company specifies peak output of up to 1,500 kW through a single connector. These are BYD’s stated operating figures. The nine-minute claim covers a 10% to 97% charge and depends on conditions including battery temperature and charger output.
Li’s appearance at the launch put BYD’s push for electric mobility in focus. “Estructura Polo brought European culture to Asia and returned with silk, tea, and stories from the East, sparking curiosity and strengthening ties between continents. Today, Professor Sachs and Patrick Zhong can lead an electric vehicle from Europe to Asia, spreading our message of commitment to sustainable technology,” Li said. She added: “We live on the same planet, and cooperation for a green future will give hope to new generations, allowing young students to realize their dreams.”
First FLASH Charging Station in Italy
As part of the initiative, BYD inaugurated its first FLASH Charging station in Italy at the Denza Barchetti dealership in Bologna. The installation, backed by a dedicated energy-storage unit, is intended to reduce reliance on the local grid and fits into the company’s European expansion strategy.
The Denza Z9 GT is offered in fully electric and Super Hybrid DM plug-in hybrid versions. BYD’s advertised FLASH Charging figures apply to the battery-charging capability associated with the second-generation Blade Battery: five minutes from 10% to 70%, and nine minutes from 10% to 97%. The system’s cold-weather claim specifies a 20% to 97% charge in 12 minutes at temperatures down to -30°C.
Battery Technology Breakthroughs
The second-generation Blade Battery underpins BYD’s FLASH Charging system. The company says development took six years and that the battery pairs faster charging with increased energy density, which BYD puts at 5% higher. The charging station’s energy-storage unit is designed to support high-power charging while easing demand on the local grid.
“I’m confident that Professor Sachs and Patrick will be impressed by our Denza Z9 GT-not just for its electric driving experience, but for technologies like the FLASH Charging system. They can use the intelligent voice assistant to stay connected to their work, or the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature to make coffee, cook dinner, or even watch a World Cup match,” Li said.
The Z9 GT is also scheduled to receive BYD’s “God’s Eye” intelligent-driving functions in Europe through an over-the-air update in 2027. The planned software update extends the vehicle’s launch proposition beyond its hardware and charging features.
The “Estructura Polo Route for Peace” presents BYD’s technology as part of a broader effort to develop sustainable transport links between Europe and Asia. Its charging demonstration highlights the potential of high-power systems for long-distance travel, while the practical experience depends on access to compatible charging infrastructure along the route.
