Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is preparing a new car model for the Indian market as it looks to sustain its rapid expansion overseas, executive vice president Stella Li said on Tuesday.
According to an AFP report, engineers at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen are currently working on the vehicle design, although the launch timeline has not yet been finalised. “India is a market for us but we need to put more effort,” Li said while speaking to AFP at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
Model tailored for Indian conditions
Li said the company plans to “introduce a different model fitted for India,” but did not provide further details about specifications, pricing, or launch plans. “My team is working on that, but there is still some work to do,” she said. Li also rejected reports suggesting that BYD was planning to establish a car assembly plant in India.
World’s largest EV maker
BYD, which began as a battery manufacturer, sold 2.26 million electric vehicles last year, overtaking Elon Musk’s Tesla to become the world’s top electric car maker. The company is now targeting a “minimum target” of 24 per cent growth in overseas markets this year. That would amount to around 1.3 million vehicles sold outside China, including hybrid models.
Domestic slowdown drives global push
BYD’s international focus comes as domestic sales have weakened following adjustments to Chinese government subsidies for electric vehicles. January sales declined for the fifth consecutive month.
As a result, the company is turning its attention to global markets. Li said BYD is concentrating on “every market except the US,” where Chinese vehicle imports face steep tariffs.
Betting on hybrids in Europe
Despite warnings of slowing growth in Europe, where hybrid vehicles overtook purely petrol-powered cars last year, Li said BYD expects sales to be supported by new models.
The company’s longer-range hybrids are designed to appeal to cautious buyers. They are “for people who don’t trust EVs (electric vehicles),” Li said, calling them a “game-changer”.
Design changes for safety
Li also said BYD will adjust its vehicle designs for international markets following a recent safety move in China. After authorities announced a ban on hidden door handles over safety concerns, BYD will introduce mechanical door handles in its overseas models.
Improving China–India ties
BYD’s India plans come amid a gradual warming of relations between China and India, strained since a deadly border clash in 2020. Direct flights between the two countries resumed in October after a five-year suspension.
With global demand shifting and competition intensifying, BYD is positioning itself to adapt its vehicles to local markets as it pushes deeper into international territory.
FAQs: BYD’s India Expansion and New EV Plans
Q1. Is BYD planning a new electric vehicle for India?
Yes. BYD is preparing a new car model specifically tailored for the Indian market as part of its overseas expansion strategy.
Q2. Who confirmed BYD’s India-focused EV plans?
The plans were confirmed by Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, during the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
Q3. Where is the India-specific BYD EV being developed?
Engineers at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, China, are currently working on the vehicle’s design.
Q4. Has BYD announced a launch timeline for the India-specific model?
No. The company has not yet finalised or disclosed a launch timeline for the new model.
Q5. Will the new BYD model be customised for Indian conditions?
Yes. BYD plans to introduce a different model fitted specifically for India, although technical specifications and pricing details have not been revealed.
Q6. Is BYD setting up a car assembly plant in India?
No. Stella Li dismissed reports suggesting that BYD plans to establish a car assembly facility in India.
Q7. Why is BYD focusing more on international markets?
BYD’s global push comes amid a slowdown in domestic Chinese sales, following changes to government EV subsidies. January marked the fifth consecutive month of declining sales.
Q8. How big is BYD in the global EV market?
BYD is currently the world’s largest electric vehicle maker, having sold 2.26 million EVs last year, overtaking Tesla.
Q9. What is BYD’s overseas growth target for this year?
BYD is targeting a minimum of 24% growth in overseas markets, aiming to sell around 1.3 million vehicles outside China, including hybrids.
Q10. Why is BYD not focusing on the US market?
BYD is concentrating on global markets excluding the US, where Chinese vehicle imports face high tariffs.
Q11. What role do hybrid vehicles play in BYD’s strategy?
BYD is betting on longer-range hybrid models, particularly in Europe, to attract customers who are hesitant to switch fully to electric vehicles.
Q12. Will BYD change vehicle designs for international safety standards?
Yes. Following safety regulations in China, BYD will replace hidden door handles with mechanical door handles in its overseas models.
Q13. How do China–India relations affect BYD’s India plans?
BYD’s India strategy comes amid improving ties between China and India, including the resumption of direct flights after a five-year suspension.
