In anticipation of the arrival of our 26-Plate vehicles in just a few weeks, we have collated 26 fun facts about BYD!
1. BYD stands for 'Build Your Dreams'
Did you know that BYD is an acronym for ‘Build Your Dreams’? According to BYD’s founder, the letter combination didn’t actually stand for anything when it was first come up with, but “BYD” is the pinyin initials of the company’s Chinese name Biyadi.
2. BYD has been China’s biggest-selling EV manufacturer for a decade
One of the key factors contributing to BYD’s success is its diversified portfolio of electric vehicles, ranging from compact cars to electric buses and trucks. This versatility has allowed BYD to cater to various consumer needs and industrial applications, contributing to its consistent dominance in the Chinese EV market. As the global shift towards sustainable transportation gains momentum, BYD’s track record as China’s leading EV manufacturer not only reflects its past achievements but also positions the company for continued success in the evolving landscape of electric mobility.
3. BYD have overtaken Tesla in the sale of EVs
4. BYD discontinued selling conventional powered cars in 2022
This highlights BYD’s forward-looking approach but also serves as a noteworthy example of an automotive company adapting to the evolving landscape of the industry. As the world continues to prioritise sustainability, BYD’s decision to discontinue conventional powered cars further positions them as a key player in the electric vehicle market.
5. BYD’s mission is to Cool the Earth by 1 degree Celsius
One ambitious, fun fact about BYD is encapsulated in its mission: to cool the earth by 1°C. The idea is that by promoting and investing in clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, BYD aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment goes beyond just producing electric vehicles; BYD envisions a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change by integrating various eco-friendly solutions into their business model.
6. Your tablet or phone is probably powered by BYD
Many people may not be aware that BYD is a major player in the electronics sector. It first started out as a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries and accumulators for phones. Now they develop components for devices that have become an integral part of our daily lives, such as tablets and smartphones. Did you know 50% of an iPad’s components are from BYD?
7. BYD was founded in 1995
Founded in 1995, BYD initially started as a battery business. Over the years, the company has expanded its operations and diversified its portfolio to include electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions.
8. BYD entered the automotive industry in 2003
It was in 2003 that BYD decided to make its debut into the automotive industry with BYD Auto.
9. BYD make other modes of transport too
As well as electric cars, BYD makes all-electric buses, coaches, taxis, forklifts, sanitation vehicles, sky shuttle systems, and sky rail systems.
10. BYD made face masks in the midst of Covid-19
At the beginning of 2020 BYD responded quickly to the pandemic and announced that it would produce face masks to help alleviate mask shortages around the world. BYD face masks have been delivered to more than 80 countries and regions. BYD accomplished blueprints within three days, completed the manufacture of mask-making machines within seven days, and rolled off the first batch of masks within 10 days. In just 24 days, BYD established the world’s largest mask plant with the highest capacity of up to 100 million pieces per day.
11. Most BYD parts are made in-house
Having manufactured most parts of their cars themselves, BYD has been able to save a lot of money which is what makes their models a lot more affordable. For example, all components of the BYD DOLPHIN, except for the tyres and windows, are made in-house.
12. In 2024, BYD sold nearly 4.3 million new energy passenger vehicles worldwide
This statistic makes them a clear market leader in electric vehicles.
13. BYD have saved plenty of carbon emissions
As of April 19, 2022, BYD saved 10,756,330,036 kg of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting about 896,360,836 trees.
14. BYD was founded by Wang Chuanfu
BYD was founded by Wang Chuanfu, a Chinese chemist. According to Forbes, Chuanfu was born in one of the poorest provinces in China in 1966. He was orphaned as a teen and raised by his elder siblings, but Chuanfu made it to college and excelled in battery technology.
15. BYD has three luxury sub-brands called YangWang, Denza and Fangchenbao
16. BYD was the official partner for the EUROs in 2024
BYD was unveiled as the official partner for the UEFA European Championship 2024, signifying a prominent position in one of the world’s most celebrated football tournaments. As the official partner, BYD benefitted from extensive global visibility through branding opportunities, advertising campaigns, and promotional events associated with the EUROs 2024. This collaboration enhanced BYD’s international reputation and contribute to the growing global recognition of Chinese brands in the automotive sector.
17. BYD started as a rechargeable-battery factory
18. US billionaire investor, Warren Buffet, bought a 10% share of the company
Back in 2008, Warren Buffet agreed to buy a 10% stake in BYD Company Limited through his holding company Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiary MidAmerican. At the time, BYD founder, Chuanfu, said “We are extremely pleased and grateful that Berkshire Hathaway and MidAmerican will be our long-term investor and partner, as we bring our electric vehicles and other environmental protection measures to the global space.”
19. BYD can be found in over 400 cities, 70 countries and 6 continents
BYD’s new energy vehicle footprint now covers much of the world and has expanded from 20 employees to around 290,000.
20. The company is listed on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange
21. BYD is the only company in the automotive sector to have started as a battery maker
22. One of BYD’s luxury car models in China can float on water
The BYD Yangwang U8 is a luxury SUV, and it is truly an all-terrain vehicle; it can float on water. Currently only available in China, the Yangwang U8 was designed with flash floods and extreme weather conditions in mind. So if you’re caught in a flood, the SUV elevates its suspension, turns its engine off, switches its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system into re-circulation mode and seals its windows so that it can remain afloat for up to 30 minutes.
23. BYD’s first EV cargo ship launched at the beginning of 2024
BYD’s first chartered cargo ship, the Explorer No1 set sail for Europe in January 2024, carrying 7,000 cars. Starting in Longkou, it stopped in Yantai, then Shenzhen where BYD is headquartered to pick up more cargo, and then onto Europe. Another seven cargo ships are expected to be added to BYD’s fleet over the next two years.
24. BYD’s batteries can be recycled and repurposed
25. BYD are the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester City Football Club
26. BYD has a car with up to 935 miles of combined range
The plug-in hybrid BYD SEAL 6 DM-i, released in the UK in December 2025, has a combined WLTP range of 935 miles.
