In a landmark moment for Brazil’s automotive industry, the first fully electric vehicle from BYD has officially rolled off the production line in Camaçari, Bahia. The model—known internationally as the Dolphin Mini and also referred to as the Seagull in China or Dolphin Surf in Europe—has quickly become one of the most popular electric cars globally. Sleek in design, powered entirely by electricity, and affordably priced, it is now also the best-selling EV in Brazil.
The state-of-the-art facility in Bahia represents the latest chapter in BYD’s rapid global expansion. Inside the newly inaugurated plant, advanced automation and digital systems orchestrate every phase of the production process. From assembly to final inspection, the entire factory showcases precision, sustainability, and modern efficiency. This new industrial hub is designed to not only build vehicles but to redefine what automotive manufacturing in Latin America looks like.
Since its global launch in April 2023, the Dolphin Mini has surpassed 1 million units in sales and has received numerous awards, including being named the 2025 World Urban Car of the Year. In Brazil, it has already seen impressive uptake, with more than 34,000 units sold to date. Alongside the Dolphin Mini, BYD has also begun assembling the Song Pro hybrid, with plans to begin producing additional models, including the King series, in the near future.
Stella Li, Global Executive Vice President and CEO of BYD for the Americas and Europe, noted the speed and ambition of the project: “From groundbreaking to full-scale production in just 15 months—it’s a true milestone. We chose Bahia for its skilled labor, strong infrastructure, and transformative potential. This isn’t just a car factory; it’s the start of a new energy chapter for Latin America.”
The production complex spans an area of 4.6 million square meters and is supported by a R$5.5 billion investment. At full capacity, it is expected to produce up to 300,000 vehicles annually and generate around 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. Initially, production follows the Semi Knocked-Down (SKD) model, but BYD plans to move toward full local manufacturing, including stamping, painting, and sourcing Brazilian-made components.
A major innovation tied to this new operation is the development of a flex-fuel hybrid powertrain, the 1.5 DM-i. Co-developed by Brazilian and Chinese engineers, it is capable of running on gasoline or ethanol, combining BYD’s electric expertise with Brazil’s leadership in renewable fuels. This system represents a significant step forward in sustainable transportation.
Construction began in March 2024, just three months after the initial announcement in Salvador. In that short time, BYD transformed a dormant industrial site into one of Latin America’s most advanced EV production centers. Over 1,000 people are already employed at the plant, and an additional 3,000 roles are expected to be added by the end of the year, contributing to regional development and workforce growth.
Globally, BYD is now the leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles, surpassing even legacy automakers in China and other markets. In Brazil, it has quickly become a major force, accounting for 90% of all electric vehicles sold in May and one-third of hybrids. The company is now the fourth-largest car brand in Brazil by sales volume and continues to expand its dealership network, aiming for 240 locations nationwide by the end of 2025.
With operations on six continents and in over 100 countries, BYD is committed to developing technologies that reduce global dependence on fossil fuels. Its automotive division, BYD Auto, focuses exclusively on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and has pioneered innovations like the Blade Battery, DM-i Super Hybrid System, and e-Platform 3.0. As the first carmaker to fully exit combustion engine production, BYD continues to lead the shift toward clean mobility across the world.
