BYD: The Secret That Allowed China’s EVs To Beat Tesla

“Build Your Dreams”

This one company that dares you to “Build Your Dreams” has come up from humble beginnings to challenge the global automotive industry. But what makes it so noteworthy? Here’s a look at its features and overall growth.

How It Started

BYD started off in 1995 as a battery maker and then moved into the car world in 2003. Their founder, Wang Chuanfu, pulled off a smart purchase of Xi’an Qinchuan Automobile for HK$269 million, which got them manufacturing know-how and a key car production license.

Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

World’s First Mass Hybrid

The F3DM, which came out in 2008, was BYD’s first big step into electric vehicles. It was the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid. Initially, it was only available to government fleets and institutions in China. But, it laid the track for BYD’s future electric vehicles.

Mariordo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Game-Changing Blade Battery

Back in 2020, the Blade battery made a huge impact on EV safety, especially with its lithium iron phosphate technology. When tested for penetration, these batteries reached temperatures between 30-60 °C. This means they can stay safe without any danger of smoke or fire.

Matti Blume, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons

Vertical Integration Mastery

The company has good control over production since it makes more than 70% of its vehicle parts in-house. It handles mining lithium, creating chips, batteries, and electronic controls. This all-in-one approach helps keep costs down and ensures high quality.

Matti Blume, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons

E-Platform 3.0 Architecture

Launched in 2021, the E-Platform 3.0 provides us with a solid range of up to 1,000 km. It can also recharge for about 150 km of range in just 5 minutes with its 800-volt fast charging. Plus, it has this neat cell-to-body battery integration.

Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Smart DM-i Hybrid System

This DM-i system mixes a super-efficient gas engine with electric motors. The Xiaoyun engine hits about 43% thermal efficiency, which means it’s great on fuel. To add to that, it gives three different power levels to suit various types of vehicles and performance needs.

JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Advanced DiLink Interface

DiLink 4.0 is about 5G connectivity, thanks to Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware. It has 128GB storage and 8GB of RAM. The system is user-friendly, updates itself over the air, and has entertainment features like karaoke with microphones.

Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Multi-Brand Strategy

BYD has four different brands that each cater to various customers. There’s the regular BYD brand for everyday folks that have budget-friendly options and popular models like the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Han. Then comes the Denza brand that’s all about luxury.

Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0,Wikimedia Commons

Multi-Brand Strategy (Cont.)

Current models in the multi–brand strategy include the Denza D9 MPV. Similarly, the ultra-luxury Yangwang aims to target ultra-luxury consumers with vehicles costing over CN¥1 million. Lastly, there is the Fangchengbao brand. This is perfect for off-road fans.

Nissangeniss, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mercedes-Benz Partnership

Apparently, in 2010, BYD teamed up with Daimler (now known as Mercedes-Benz) to create the joint venture Denza, with each company owning half. Over the years, things changed, and by 2021, BYD took control with a 90% stake. But in September 2024, Mercedes left.

Elizbeth smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ocean Series Design

At the helm of it was Wolfgang Egger, who was a former Audi designer. The Ocean Series brings some marine elements to the table. Basically, its models are named after sea creatures like the Dolphin and Seal, as well as naval ships like the Frigate.

User3204, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ocean Series Design (Cont.)

These cars have smooth shapes with shorter front and back ends and longer wheelbases. This helps them slice through the air much better. A great example of this is the BYD Seal, which has a super low drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd.

Evnerd, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dynasty Series Excellence

The Dynasty Series is BYD’s fancy line of cars featuring designs inspired by dragons. You can find them at special Dynasty Network dealerships. These rides mix classic luxury with high-end tech. Models like the Han and Tang show what BYD can do in the upscale market.

Mariordo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Manufacturing Innovation

The company has stepped up its game with battery manufacturing. This is by integrating the battery directly into the car’s body instead of using the old cell-to-pack method. The new approach makes the structure stronger, uplifts efficiency, and simplifies the production process.

DKMcLaren, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Thermal Management System

The cooling and heating system works together to manage the temperature of the engine, cabin, and battery all at once. This smart setup increases overall efficiency by 20%, extends the driving range, and keeps things running smoothly in different weather.  The ride becomes comfortable for passengers.

JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

BYD Operating System

BYD OS lets software and hardware work separately, making it easier and cheaper to produce stuff. This setup allows other companies to plug their own software into BYD’s hardware, which in turn encourages teamwork and fresh ideas in the auto industry.

Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

BYD Operating System (Cont.)

It is designed to work smoothly with self-driving technology, and cars that use it have advanced driver-assistance features. It works with different sensors, like LiDAR and cameras. This allows the cars to see and recognize things around them, which is a safer driving experience.

Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Affordable EV

The 2023 Seagull model has totally changed the game for budget-friendly electric vehicles with a price tag under CN¥90,000. Even though it’s quite affordable, it still comes with four seats, five doors, and a ton of other features. Many units have reportedly been sold within months.

User3204, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shipping Control

2024 began for BYD by launching its first-ever car carrier ship, the “BYD Explorer No.1.” This impressive 200-meter ship can carry 7,000 vehicles and runs between Yantai Port and Europe. It shows how serious BYD is about controlling its entire supply chain, including logistics.

BYD Explorer No. 1: The Future of Auto Transport by Beyond EV

Design Evolution

The company set up its Global Design Center in Shenzhen back in 2019, and it’s got a huge team of  designers. They are led by Wolfgang Egger. Their first big project together was the E-Seed GT concept car, which mixed traditional Chinese dragon elements with modern automotive design.

Mike Mareen, Shutterstock

Battery Leadership

As of 2024, BYD’s battery firm, FinDreams Battery, is the second-biggest maker of electric vehicle batteries in the world after Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). They focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and are known for their Blade battery design.

rukawajung, Shutterstock

Fifth Generation DM-i System

Introduced in May 2024, this hybrid system achieves world-leading benchmarks: 46.06% engine thermal efficiency, 2.9L/100km fuel consumption, and 2,100km combined range. It represents BYD’s most advanced hybrid powertrain technology.

User3204, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Export Infrastructure

BYD is going global with its manufacturing, setting up plants in Thailand, Hungary, Brazil, and Uzbekistan. The new factory in Thailand opened in July 2024 and is the first completely owned overseas site. It has facilities like stamping and final assembly.

iMoD Official, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Multi-Market Price Strategy

The pricing varies a lot between markets. For example, vehicles in Europe sell with a 92-112% markup compared to Chinese prices. This allows for significant profit margins even with import tariffs. All this happens while holding a competitive position in the market.

Jengtingchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Global Market Expansion

Since 2021, BYD has been on a global expansion spree, rolling out right-hand drive models for all markets. They’re targeting to ship half of their production outside of China and have set up shops in over 70 countries with their own manufacturing plants globally.

Matti Blume, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons