BYD's Fangchengbao sub-brand is pushing the boundaries of fast charging with the Tai 3 Flash Charge edition, a compact SUV that can add significant range in the time it takes to use a restroom. In a recent test by Chinese automotive outlet Autohome (Autohome), the rear-wheel-drive Flash Charge version proved its mettle at a 600 kW third-party charger, juicing from 8% to 81% in just 10 minutes, adding 60.91 kWh of energy. That's a pace that rivals battery-swap services, making it a compelling option for those without home charging.
Ride and Handling: Comfort First
The Tai 3 Flash Charge rides on BYD's second-generation blade battery, a 75.6 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate pack. The test car was equipped with the standard Cloud-Chassis C (DiSusC) adaptive suspension, offering Comfort and Sport modes. Both modes prioritize comfort, with the Sport mode still absorbing speed bumps at 30 km/h without harsh impacts, while Comfort mode adds extra softness and minimal body bounce. The SUV's small turning radius is a hidden bonus, making tight U-turns and parallel parking effortless in urban settings.
Inside, the front seats are wide, softly padded, and offer good shoulder support, contributing to a "big car" feel despite the compact dimensions. The elevated seating position allows for relaxed legroom and proper thigh support, making the cabin a pleasant place for daily commutes.
Two Drawbacks: Brake Feel and Noise
However, the Tai 3 Flash Charge isn't without its flaws. The brake pedal suffers from inconsistent feel, with a slight dead zone at the top and a sudden surge of braking force once a certain point is passed. This is more pronounced in Sport mode, and combined with the SUV's long suspension travel, it can lead to abrupt nose-dives in stop-and-go traffic. Drivers will need a few days to adapt.
Road noise becomes noticeable above 80 km/h, and at 120 km/h, wind noise around the A-pillars is apparent. While the suspension filters bumps well, the cabin noise detracts from the overall premium feel, especially on highways. Autohome suggests test-driving on a highway to assess this aspect.
Buying Advice and Verdict
Priced around 150,000 yuan (about $21,100) as a Chinese guide price before taxes and incentives, the Tai 3 Flash Charge offers competitive fast-charging, ride quality, and front-seat comfort. For those without home charging, the 10-minute top-up is a , but if you have a home charger, the non-Flash Charge version may offer better value after discounts. The rear-wheel-drive variant is sufficient for urban use, while the four-wheel-drive version, costing an extra 16,000 yuan (about $2,250), is only necessary for off-road enthusiasts. Autohome recommends a thorough test drive, especially in traffic and on highways, to evaluate the brake feel and noise levels before making a decision.
Based on reporting by 汽车之家. Edited and published in English by geisou.
