Chinese carmakers are well known for being ambitious, and often, at least domestically, delivering on these ambitions. One of the companies that has found traction both at home and abroad is BYD.

Standing for ‘Build Your Dreams’, BYD notably counts American billionaire Warren Buffett as one of its investors, and has recently unveiled plans to begin selling models in Australia through a distributor partner.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

Company history and overview

Shenzhen, a Chinese city near Hong Kong, is well known for its electronics manufacturing prowess, and it was here in 1995 that BYD was first founded by entrepreneur Wang Chuanfu.

Having a background in materials science and chemistry and with related experience in academia, and with the Chinese government trialling a limited form of capitalism in the area, Chuanfu made the bold step to compete with the flux of Japanese companies exporting rechargeable batteries at the time by starting his own battery firm.

Thus, BYD was founded as a maker of rechargeable batteries, and grew rapidly by becoming a major supplier of batteries to various mobile phone manufacturers.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

Subsequently, Chuanfu wished to enter into a new market for his batteries, and sensing the possibility of vehicles eventually being powered with electricity, decided to make a risky decision to buy struggling Chinese carmaker Qinchuan Auto (renamed to BYD Automobile) as a way to enter the automotive industry and learn how to scale up the mass production of cars.

Chinese companies are often known to be fast followers, and BYD was no exception. By reverse engineering and then building the tooling and moulds required to make a particular part in-house, the firm was able to draw on the expertise of foreign carmakers initially to build derivative models, before incrementally making their own improvements.

Using parts and knowledge from Japanese carmakers such as Mitsubishi and Toyota to mass-produce combustion engined models, BYD pivoted to EVs with the launch of the BYD E6 electric people-mover in 2010.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

Today, BYD has a market capitalisation of US$103.58 billion, making it more valuable than established brands including Mercedes-Benz, Ford, General Motors and BMW. In addition to cars, the company also produces a range of commercial vehicles, such as EV buses, forklifts and trucks.

BYD’s original business of manufacturing batteries for mobile phones has been spun off into a separate company, BYD Electronics (which now also manufactures various medical devices and computer components), but this firm maintains a close relationship with BYD Automobile, and the two entities continue to share a logo and branding.

The brand has further increased its prominence recently by attracting high-profile investors, most famously Warren Buffett, who bought a 10 per cent stake in the company in late 2008 for $232 million.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

BYD Han

Current model line-up and innovations

BYD’s current model portfolio consists of both ‘dual mode’ plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. The company has largely limited sales of its plug-in hybrid range to the Chinese domestic market, whilst its battery electric vehicles are sold at home and abroad. This story will focus on the carmaker’s full battery EV range.

One of the firm’s most recent launches is the Tesla Model 3 rivalling BYD Han EV sedan. Offering up to 362kW of power in range-topping ‘Supreme’ trim, it also claims a range of 605km on the very optimistic NEDC cycle in less powerful entry-level variants.

All Han EV sedans make use of a 76.9 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery engineered using BYD’s innovative ‘Blade Battery’ design. This uses ‘cell-to-pack’ technology to optimise energy density, whilst also elongating the cells into ‘beams’ that then become essential to the structural integrity of the pack, reducing weight and production costs.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

BYD also claims that its Blade Battery is safer than the battery pack designs used in other EVs, with regard to thermal stability and fire risk. The company has creatively demonstrated this by piercing the battery pack with a nail and then placing a raw egg on top of the piercing.

The company claims that the lack of fire or smoke, and the fact that the egg remained uncooked, helps evidence the crashworthiness of the battery. BYD claims that its battery design has also been put through other tests such as being crushed, overcharged and placed in a furnace without exploding or catching fire.

Other EVs currently being produced by BYD include the older Qin Pro sedan (based on an adapted internal combustion engine chassis), as well as the Song Pro and Tang electric SUVs. The Tang SUV is a larger model also available with the Blade Battery and seven seats, and is currently exported to Norway.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

BYD Tang

Arguably the company’s most important launch is the Yuan Plus EV. Sized in line with SUVs such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, this model is expected to go on sale shortly in Australia as the BYD Atto 3 (see below for further details).

Australian plans

BYD has recently revealed plans to sell the Atto 3 SUV in Australia.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

BYD Atto 3

This car will also make use of the brand’s Blade Battery technology, and with a starting price of $44,381 before on-road costs, claims to offer 320km of range from a 50.1kWh battery, while an extended range version offering 420km of range (from a 60.4 kWh battery) will also be available for an extra $3000.

The brand’s local importer EVDirect.com initially claimed that it had struck a partnership with servicing centre network Mycar (formerly Kmart Tyre & Auto), whereby customers would exclusively purchase the car online before collecting (and servicing) it through their local Mycar store.

More recently, the brand has had a change of tack and has additionally announced an intention to partner with dealership giant Eagers Automotive to sell the car through the Eagers network.

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

BYD EA1 or Dolphin

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

BYD T3

autos, byd, cars, brand overview: byd

BYD E6

Previously, the brand claimed to be selling Australia’s cheapest electric car, the T3 electric van, as well as the E6 people mover, but it is uncertain how many, if any, of these models have been sold. BYD is has also committed to selling its Dolphin small hatch in Australia shortly.

In a sign of the company’s ambitions reflecting its namesake, the company has also announced plans to become a top five brand in the Australian new car market by the end of 2023.

Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, BYD is the fourth largest automaker in the world by market capitalisation, producing more than 1.5 million vehicles since being founded, with a record 603,783 units sold in 2021.

Keyword: Brand overview: BYD

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Toyota EV chief details developing brand’s first electric sedan, working with BYD

As the president of Toyota’s new BEV factory, which launched in May, Takero Kato has a big weight on his shoulders. In a recent interview, Kato explained how the brand’s first electric sedan, a collaboration with BYD, will help with its next-gen EVs. Toyota launched its “BEV Factory” this ...

View more: Toyota EV chief details developing brand’s first electric sedan, working with BYD

BYD Set to Unveil Sea Lion 07 SUV at Guangzhou Auto Show

BYD is gearing up to reveal its latest addition to the family of battery-electric vehicles, the Sea Lion 07. The unveiling is scheduled for November 17 at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China. Teasers in the form of sketches suggest that the Sea Lion 07 will join BYD’s ‘Ocean’ ...

View more: BYD Set to Unveil Sea Lion 07 SUV at Guangzhou Auto Show

Geely Galaxy E8 Electric Sedan: The New Tesla And BYD Killer?

Geely’s new electric sedan, the Galaxy E8, has been fully unveiled before pre-sales starting on November 17 at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, the Galaxy E8 measures 5,010mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,465mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,925mm. ...

View more: Geely Galaxy E8 Electric Sedan: The New Tesla And BYD Killer?

BYD teases sleek new electric SUV design to rival Tesla’s model Y

China’s leading EV maker, BYD, is teasing a new electric SUV as part of its Ocean series. The BYD Sea Lion 07’s design was led by ex-Audi and Lamborghini chief designer Wolfgang Egger. BYD continues its dominant expansion. After selling a record 151,193 all-electric vehicles in September, BYD came ...

View more: BYD teases sleek new electric SUV design to rival Tesla’s model Y

BYD Unveils FANGCHENGBAO BAO 5: A Super Hybrid Hardcore SUV

BYD officially launched its latest offering, the BAO 5, under the specialised sub-brand FANGCHENGBAO. Positioned as a “Super Hybrid Hardcore SUV,” the BAO 5 stands out with cutting-edge technology, off-road prowess, and a commitment to energy efficiency. The BAO 5 introduces the Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid Platform, ...

View more: BYD Unveils FANGCHENGBAO BAO 5: A Super Hybrid Hardcore SUV

BYD, Tesla Expand Their Share In Global EV Market: Q1-Q3 2023 Ranking

More than one third of new rechargeable cars are either from BYD or Tesla.

View more: BYD, Tesla Expand Their Share In Global EV Market: Q1-Q3 2023 Ranking

In a power move, China’s BYD plans to build a factory in Europe

The BYD Seal/Credit: BYD Chinese-owned automaker BYD has announced plans to build a factory in Europe in hopes of bringing its affordable EVs to the masses there. As the brand picks up steam in sales, it will break ground on its first European factory, with Hungary selected as the ...

View more: In a power move, China’s BYD plans to build a factory in Europe

SsangYong Signs Agreement with BYD to Develop Future Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

SsangYong Australia’s global parent company, KG Mobility, has announced news of a recent agreement with Chinese automotive giant, BYD, to co-develop a new range of hybrid and electric vehicles. SsangYong’s evolving product lineup involves a new battery-electric SUV package, known as the Torres EVX, as well as a battery-electric ute ...

View more: SsangYong Signs Agreement with BYD to Develop Future Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

BYD's First European Factory Might Be Built In Hungary: Report

China EV maker BYD to build first Europe plant in Hungary, Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reports

BYD Has Record Plug-In Sales In China, Export Markets In October 2023

Toyota to test new electric pickup as it looks to fend off BYD’s surge in Thailand

BYD announces EV deals to finish year strong after record sales for a sixth consecutive month

Berkshire Hathaway sells $25.8 mln worth of shares in China's BYD

BYD notches record Q3 profit of $1.4B amid intensifying EV price war

China EV maker BYD reports record quarterly profit of $1.42 bln in Q3

BYD All-Electric Car Sales Almost Passed Tesla In Q3 2023

Galumphing across Zhuhai International Circuit with the BYD Seal

BYD Dolphin & Seal Receive Five-Star ANCAP Ratings Under Tough 2023 Protocols

BYD is stealing Toyota’s limelight in this key auto market with low-priced EVs

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel