BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, intends to make a significant impact in Europe with its innovative products and expansion strategies. Stella Li, the company’s vice-president, shared these ambitious plans with AFP during an interview at a Paris showroom. “You will see, starting from March or April, our registration numbers will jump” in Europe, Li stated. She further projected a sales surge for BYD across Europe this year.
The company’s strategy includes a comprehensive advertising campaign, highlighted by its sponsorship of the UEFA European Championship last year, combined with the opening of several showrooms across the continent. A crucial element of BYD’s plan is the launch of the Seagull model, soon to be rebranded as the Dolphin Surf in Europe. This compact electric vehicle is designed to compete with established models like the Renault 5 and Citroen C3, with its debut anticipated around mid-year, according to Li.
BYD also unveiled a new charging system in China this week that promises to dramatically reduce charging times. The technology is designed to add approximately 470 kilometers (almost 300 miles) of range after just five minutes of charging, a speed four times faster than existing market leaders. Li emphasized the advancement, stating, “It is really as fast as refuelling a petrol car.” She added that BYD is preparing to introduce this pioneering technology to the European market in the coming years.
In the first two months of 2025, BYD demonstrated considerable progress, doubling its exports compared to the previous year, reaching 130,000 vehicles. The company’s performance in 2024 saw it sell 4.2 million vehicles globally, positioning it as the sixth-largest car manufacturer worldwide.
Addressing the EU’s imposition of a 17 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, designed to counter state subsidies, Li remained undeterred. She insisted that these restrictions would not alter BYD’s commitment to the European market, framing the company as a long-term investor. Additionally, EU authorities are currently investigating BYD’s forthcoming European factory in Hungary, with electric car production scheduled to start at the end of the year. Li assured transparency and full cooperation with any investigation, stating, “We will be very transparent, very open, working with anybody who wants to do an investigation.”
