BYD passes 5 million plug-in car production mark

Max McDee, 11 August 2023

BYD, the leader in the plug-in vehicle game, recently crossed a milestone that left many a jaw dropped – producing a whopping 5 million New Energy Vehicles (NEV). That's battery-electrics and plug-in hybrids, if you're sketchy on the lingo. The 5 millionth vehicle that rolled off the assembly line was the sleek Denza N7.

So, while other big-name companies are taking their sweet time, BYD's quickly expanding its market share. Tesla isn't too far behind, clocking in over 4.6 million all-electric vehicles as of June 2023.

The sales divide for BYD’s electric paradise is almost 50-50 between BEVs and PHEVs. If current market trends persist, however, BEVs will dominate in the years to come, though.

BYD makers buses and trucks as well

Oh, and here's a fun tidbit: From 3 million to 5 million NEVs, BYD nine months. For context, that's less time than it takes for most of us to quit a New Year's resolution. Their trajectory over the years is, well, kinda impressive:

1995: BYD's birth as a battery company. (Yeah, they weren't always into cars!)
2003: BYD Auto comes into the scene.
2008: Unveils its first NEV.
2021: Touchdown with 1 million NEVs.
2022: Cruises to 3 million.
2023: And...drum roll...5 million!

BYD's not just about in-house accomplishments, though. They're packing a punch globally, with their export numbers skyrocketing. How about selling a whopping 92,469 units outside China in just seven months this year? Let's just say they've outdone their own 2022 full-year record.

Wang Chuanfu, the big kahuna at BYD, had a moment of gratitude during the celebration, thanking everyone from customers to partners and employees. Can't say I blame him. After all, producing 5 million NEVs isn't exactly child's play. And here's another little nugget of knowledge for you: this mammoth figure isn't limited to just cars. BYD's been busy churning out commercial vehicles, including vans, trucks, and buses.

Here’s something to chew on: BYD buses operate in over 400 cities spread across 70 countries, and their cars are on roads in more than 54 countries. But, (and there’s always a but) most of these buses are in China. International conquerors? Maybe. Homebodies at heart? Definitely.

So, while some might see this as BYD's ultimate claim to fame moment, for skeptics like us, it’s a "wait and watch" game. But for now, hats off, BYD!

Via