Chinese car manufacturer BYD announced its strategic ambition to expand in Europe, unveiling plans to launch a new compact electric model and introduce super-fast charging capabilities. Company Vice-President Stella Li, speaking to AFP from a Paris showroom, expressed confidence in these strategies. “You will see, starting from March or April, our registration numbers will jump” in Europe, Li stated, suggesting a significant growth trajectory for the brand. “This year, BYD sales in the whole of Europe will start increasing.”
As part of its European expansion strategy, BYD has launched major advertising campaigns, including sponsoring the UEFA European Championship last year. It has also established numerous new showrooms across the continent. The company intends to roll out its small format Seagull model, which will be rebranded as the Dolphin Surf in Europe. This compact EV aims to compete with established models such as the Renault 5 and Citroen C3, with a launch planned around mid-year, according to Li.
Adding to the announcement, BYD unveiled a groundbreaking new charging system in China this week. This system promises an impressive 470 kilometers (nearly 300 miles) of battery life after a mere five minutes of charging, claiming to be four times faster than existing market-leading technologies. “It is really as fast as refuelling a petrol car,” Li commented, highlighting the convenience this technology will offer. “We are… preparing to bring this kind of cutting-edge technology to Europe in the next few years.”
BYD reported a doubling of its exports in the first two months of 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching 130,000 vehicles. Globally, the company sold 4.2 million vehicles in 2024, solidifying its position as the world’s sixth-largest car manufacturer.
Addressing the European Union’s recent imposition of a 17-percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles to offset state subsidies, Li maintained that these restrictions would not alter BYD’s long-term plans. Furthermore, EU authorities are reportedly investigating BYD’s first European factory, located in Hungary, where electric car production is scheduled to commence in late 2025. “We will be very transparent, very open, working with anybody who wants to do an investigation,” Li assured.
