BYD and Denza have kicked off the 'Marco Polo Route for Peace', a 43-day drive from Rome to Hong Kong. Executive Vice President Stella Li emphasizes the company's push for green mobility and rapid charging breakthroughs.
At the Palazzo Orsini Taverna in Rome, BYD unveiled its ambitious 'Marco Polo Route for Peace', a 43-day, 15,000-kilometer journey linking Italy and Hong Kong. The event, led by Executive Vice President Stella Li, puts BYD and Denza vehicles at the center of a symbolic expedition inspired by Marco Polo's legendary 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 sustainability, electric mobility, and global connectivity. The route is designed not just as a test of endurance, but as a statement of intent: bridging continents through advanced technology and environmental responsibility.
Electric Mobility in Focus
The Denza Z9GT, chosen as the flagship vehicle for the journey, stands out for its design and interior comfort. More importantly, it features BYD's FLASH Charging technology, which enables the battery to charge from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes. This rapid charging capability is positioned as a strategic advantage for long-distance travel, addressing one of the main barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption.
Stella Li's presence at the launch underscored BYD's central role in advancing electric mobility. "Marco 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 drive an electric vehicle from Europe to Asia, spreading our message of commitment to sustainable technology," Li stated. 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, located at the Denza Barchetti dealership in Bologna. This move strengthens BYD's European expansion strategy and signals a deeper commitment to electric mobility across the continent.
The Denza Z9GT is available in both fully electric and Super Hybrid DM plug-in hybrid versions. Regardless of the powertrain, the model incorporates BYD's FLASH Charging system, offering charging times comparable to traditional refueling: from 10% to 70% in just five minutes, and up to 97% in nine minutes. The system maintains performance even in extreme temperatures down to -30°C.
Battery Technology Breakthroughs
BYD's charging technology is supported by its proprietary FLASH Charging station and a dedicated energy storage unit, reducing reliance on the local grid. The second-generation Blade Battery, developed over six years, underpins this system. Traditionally, fast charging and high energy density have been seen as conflicting goals in battery design. BYD claims to have resolved this, increasing energy density by 5% while significantly boosting charging speed.
"I'm confident that Professor Sachs and Patrick will be impressed by our Denza Z9GT—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 concluded.
The 'Marco Polo Route for Peace' positions BYD as a key player in the evolving landscape of sustainable transport between Europe and Asia. As electric vehicle infrastructure expands and charging times shrink, the journey serves as both a demonstration of technological progress and a call for international cooperation on climate goals.
