BYD Launches Major Expansion in Europe, Targeting Tesla Dominance
BREAKING: BYD has just announced a massive expansion plan in Europe, aiming to open 1,000 new stores by the end of 2026. This strategic move places the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant squarely in competition with Tesla’s European operations, particularly in Germany, home of Tesla’s gigafactory.
At the IAA Mobility conference in Munich earlier today, BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, revealed plans to nearly triple its sales and service locations in Germany. This expansion is part of a larger initiative that will double BYD’s total European stores to over 2,000 by next year.
Li emphasized the urgency of this expansion, stating, “We are committed to solidifying our presence in Europe as we confront intense competition in our home market.” BYD’s sales in Europe have surged, and the company recently surpassed Tesla in sales for the second time this year in July—an alarming trend for Elon Musk’s automaker, which is experiencing slowing sales in its third-largest market.
The excitement at the conference centered around the launch of BYD’s new SEAL 6 DM-i Touring, a hybrid sedan boasting a remarkable combined range of up to 1,505 km. This vehicle is expected to attract significant consumer interest in Europe as BYD ramps up its production capabilities.
In a bold move, BYD is also constructing a factory in Hungary, with a production capacity of 200,000 cars annually, set to begin operations by the end of 2025. This facility will enable BYD to sidestep the 17% tariff imposed on Chinese cars by the European Union, further enhancing its competitive edge.
Adding to the urgency, BYD plans to roll out ultra-fast “megawatt” EV chargers across Europe, capable of delivering 400 km of range in just five minutes. By the second quarter of 2026, the company aims to install between 200 and 300 of these powerful chargers, which are reported to be twice as powerful as Tesla’s top EV chargers.
As BYD continues to expand its footprint in Europe, the automotive industry watches closely. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. With BYD’s aggressive strategy, the landscape of the European EV market is poised for significant change.
Stay tuned for more updates as BYD’s expansion unfolds, potentially reshaping the future of electric mobility in Europe.
