BYD Commences Production at Hungarian Factory This Year, Plans to Launch 1-Megawatt Ultra-Fast Chargers Across Europe in 2026
BYD Accelerates European Expansion
Chinese automaker BYD has announced ambitious plans for its European operations, aiming to open over 2,000 retail outlets across the continent by the end of 2026. This expansion comes as the company prepares to commence production of passenger cars at its Hungarian factory later this year.
The production timeline for the Hungarian plant aligns with expectations, and progress is proceeding as planned. The first models to roll off the assembly line will be the Dolphin Surf cars, with production starting at the end of 2025 in Szeged, Hungary. The Dolphin Surf was recently awarded the World Urban Car of the Year and will be the first BYD model manufactured in Europe for European markets.
BYD's European footprint is already expanding, with its passenger cars currently available in 32 countries and regions. The company's product portfolio spans 13 models, ranging from hatchbacks to mid-to-large SUVs.
In addition to its car production, BYD has unveiled an ultra-fast charger supporting up to 1-MW charging power. This technology, which is set to debut in Europe in models from the Denza sub-brand, promises to revolutionize charging times. The first 200-300 of these 1-MW chargers will be operational next year, marking a significant step forward in Europe's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The ultra-fast charger boasts impressive capabilities, able to add 2 km of range to an EV in just 1 second or 400 km in 5 minutes. This rapid charging speed could significantly reduce charging times, making EV ownership more convenient for consumers.
BYD's European expansion is not limited to car manufacturing and charging infrastructure. The company also plans to export EVs from its Thailand plant to Europe for the first time. Moreover, Germany's network of BYD stores will reach 120 outlets by the end of the year.
The Szeged, Hungary plant, set to be completed and operational within three years, will primarily manufacture passenger cars for European sales. BYD announced its intention to build this new energy vehicle (NEV) production base in Szeged in December 2023.
Despite earlier reports suggesting a delay in mass production at the Hungarian plant until 2026, BYD subsequently responded that this information was not accurate. The company remains committed to its European expansion and the production of high-quality, sustainable cars for the European market.
