BYD is a group of Chinese companies whose name is an abbreviation of ‘Build Your Dreams.’ The company includes BYD Auto, which manufactures electric cars, industrial forklifts, motorized bicycles, trucks, buses and personal passenger vehicles.
BYD’s Electric Vehicle Journey
1995: BYD Co. Ltd. was founded in Shenzhen, China, by Wang Chuanfu as a rechargeable battery manufacturer, primarily supplying lithium-ion batteries for mobile phones and electronics. Within a few years, BYD became one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world, supplying to companies like Nokia and Motorola.
2003: BYD acquired the Tsinchuan Automobile Company and launched BYD Auto, signaling its entry into the automotive sector. Initially, BYD focused on producing conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
2008: BYD launched the F3DM, the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), ahead of the Chevy Volt.
2010: Launched its first all-electric car, the e6, primarily targeting taxi and fleet markets in China and Europe.
2014–2019: BYD introduced multiple EV models for both personal and commercial use, including:
- Qin (PHEV sedan)
- Tang (PHEV SUV)
- BYD K9 Electric Bus, exported globally.
Became China’s top-selling EV brand by 2015. Developed its own battery tech, leading to better integration and cost efficiency. BYD expanded into monorail systems and energy storage solutions.
2020: BYD unveiled the “Blade Battery”, a safer and more efficient LFP battery. Accelerated production of EV-only models like:
- Han EV
- Dolphin
- Seal
2022: BYD ceased production of ICE vehicles completely—becoming a pure electric and hybrid manufacturer. BYD surpassed Tesla in total EV and PHEV units sold globally, becoming the largest NEV (new energy vehicle) manufacturer in the world.
2023–2024: Entered multiple international markets—Europe, Southeast Asia, South America—with models like:
- Atto 3 (Yuan Plus)
- Dolphin
- Tang
Partnered with companies and governments for e-bus deployments worldwide. Built factories in Thailand, Brazil, and Hungary to localize production. In 2024, BYD sold over 3 million NEVs, leading the global EV race.
BYD Factory in India
BYD (Build Your Dreams), the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and electronics manufacturer, has an established presence in India, primarily through its facility in Tamil Nadu.
BYD Electronics India Private Limited operates a facility located at: Plot No. D2 & D8, SIPCOT Industrial Park, Irungattukottai, Sriperumbudur Taluk, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu 602105, India.
This facility focuses on manufacturing mobile components and lithium-ion batteries. The company has expressed intentions to expand its operations in the region, including potential investments in electric vehicles and mobile handset manufacturing.
Proposed Expansion BYD India Manufacturing Plant Near Hyderabad
In 2023, BYD proposed a $1 billion investment to establish an EV and battery manufacturing plant near Hyderabad, in partnership with Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL). The plan aimed to produce 10,000–15,000 electric cars annually. However, the Indian government rejected this proposal due to national security concerns related to Chinese investments.
Despite this setback, reports from March 2025 indicate that BYD is assessing three potential sites near Hyderabad for a new EV factory. If finalized, this facility could become one of the largest private-sector investments in India’s EV sector, with plans to manufacture up to 600,000 EVs annually over the next five to seven years.
BYD is also exploring collaborations with Indian conglomerates like Reliance Group and Adani to establish a domestic manufacturing presence. However, full-scale local manufacturing is not expected to commence before 2025. Until then, BYD continues to import fully built vehicles into India, focusing on expanding its product portfolio and dealership network.
