PARIS – Chinese automaker BYD has set its sights on expanding in Europe with the launch of a new compact electric vehicle and a super-fast charging system designed to challenge local car brands.
In an interview with AFP at a Paris showroom on Thursday, BYD Vice President Stella Li stated that the company expects a significant increase in registrations across Europe by March or April. “You will see our registration numbers jump,” she said. “This year, BYD sales in Europe will start increasing.”
The company has ramped up its marketing efforts, including sponsoring last year’s European Football Championship, and has opened several new showrooms across the continent.
BYD plans to launch its Seagull model, which will be renamed the Dolphin Surf in Europe, around mid-year. The new vehicle is expected to compete with popular models like the Renault 5 and Citroen C3, Li confirmed.
This week, BYD also introduced a new charging system in China, claiming it can provide 470 kilometers of battery range after just five minutes of charging. This is four times faster than current market-leading systems. “It’s as fast as refueling a petrol car,” Li noted, adding that the company plans to bring this technology to Europe in the coming years.
BYD announced that it doubled its exports in the first two months of 2025, reaching 130,000 vehicles, compared to the same period last year. The company sold 4.2 million vehicles globally in 2024, making it the world’s sixth-largest car manufacturer.
Despite the European Union imposing a 17% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, which is intended to counterbalance Chinese government subsidies, Li remains confident in BYD’s plans. “The EU restrictions will not change BYD’s approach because we are in it for the long term,” she stated.
BYD is also facing scrutiny from EU authorities over its new factory in Hungary, where production of electric cars is set to begin later this year. Li assured that the company would be transparent and cooperative with any investigations. “We will be very open and work with anybody who wants to do an investigation,” she said.
