BYD, the Chinese manufacturer, has started exporting electric vehicles (EVs) from its Thai plant to Europe. The first shipment of 959 Dolphin hatchbacks (pictured) – a VW ID. 3 competitor – was sent to distributors in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The journey will take 35 days.
Opened in 2024, BYD’s production plant in Rayong Province, about 150 km southeast of the Thai capital Bangkok, previously focused on producing right-hand-drive Dolphin models for the Thai and ASEAN markets. It also produces the Atto 3 SUV and the Seal sedan.
Now, the plant also manufactures left-hand-drive Dolphins, both enhancing its global role, and aiming to boost its below-50% utilization of its annual capacity of 150,000 units.
Exporting from Thailand helps BYD avoid EU tariffs on EVs made in China. SAIC/MG and other Chinese manufacturers are similarly considering using production capacity outside of China to avoid the penalties imposed by the EU on Chinese-made cars.
Image: Shutterstock 2488322567
