THE world’s second largest EV brand is will launch three new models in the UK next year as it seeks to squeeze Tesla in the market.
The firm is hoping to significantly expand its presence in Europe, but will sacrifice its all-electric output to do so.
BYD briefly claimed the crown at the top of the EV world in 2023 before it was snatched back by Elon Musk’s Tesla.
The Chinese company has benefited from massive state subsidies and access to the nation’s huge market, allowing it to offer its motors at heavily reduced prices.
It has now turned its attention to the European market and has been rising up the sales tables since its debut in 2022.
Now it is set to launch three new cars here in 2025, according to Autocar – and they will be a bit of a break with tradition.
For the first time, BYD will offer the cars only as hybrids, with all three being based on a combined electric and petrol drivetrain.
Tesla only has EVs but we have PHEVs.
Stella Li
Previously, the company’s entire output in Europe had been pure electric with the exception of a hybrid version of the Seal U crossover SUV.
And while the relentless push to Net Zero across the EU and UK rumbles on, company president Stella Li said that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) will play a “very important role” in its growth.
She said: “BYD is different.
“Tesla only has EVs but we have PHEVs.
“China is the leading country for the new-energy car.
“Our data shows that mainstream people use PHEV as the first experience for EVs.
“Once you introduce PHEVs and educate people and offer them at a competitive price, people realise the saving.”
Ms Li would not reveal which models are coming to the UK, though the company already sells hybrid variants of its Seal 06, Seal 07 and Song-L models in China.
Indeed, the hybrid Seal 06 has been chosen as the brand’s “global sales champion” going forward.
The report also states that BYD will debut its Fangchengbao range of 4x4s in “the near future” but that this will likely be separate from the turbocharging of the PHEV project.
It comes after a popular carmaker known for its small motors hinted that it might revive an iconic sports car 19 years after it was discontinued
