BYD exports to overseas markets have increased by 128.5% year on year.
In a landmark moment for the global automotive industry, China’s BYD has become the first car manufacturer in the world to produce 13 million new energy vehicles (NEVs). The milestone vehicle – a YANGWANG U7 – rolled off the assembly line on 21 July, underscoring BYD’s dominant position at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution.
The company’s ascent has been nothing short of transformative. While it took 13 years for BYD to manufacture its first million NEVs, the leap from 10 million to 13 million took just eight months – a rate of growth that speaks volumes about the accelerating global demand for clean transport and BYD’s unmatched scalability.
Accelerating Ahead
The brand celebrates its 13 million NEV.
Founded in 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) has grown from a battery maker into the world’s leading NEV producer, offering fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles through a diverse brand portfolio. Its commitment to electrification across all models – including the adoption of its proprietary DM (Dual Mode) hybrid technology – continues to resonate strongly with consumers and regulators alike, particularly as global decarbonisation targets intensify.
In the first half of 2025 alone, BYD delivered 2.15 million new energy passenger vehicles worldwide. Overseas sales accounted for 470,086 of these units – a 128.5% increase year-on-year – highlighting the brand’s growing international reach and appeal beyond its domestic base.
The YANGWANG U7, the model that marked the 13 millionth milestone, is a case study in high-end EV innovation. Part of BYD’s luxury sub-brand, the U7 is equipped with a suite of advanced systems, including the DiSus-Z (Yunnian-Z) intelligent body control system, the e⁴ platform, a horizontally opposed electric motor, and rear-wheel steering. Together, these technologies deliver high performance, enhanced vehicle stability, and a refined driving experience – setting a new benchmark in the premium EV segment.
Strong Product Line
Production of luxury YANGWANG U7 creates NEV milestone.
YANGWANG itself is gaining ground in the luxury electric space, with cumulative deliveries surpassing 10,000 units to date. Market response has been enthusiastic, reinforcing BYD’s capacity to compete not only on volume, but also on innovation and brand positioning in the upper tiers of the market.
Unlike most automakers, BYD controls its entire NEV value chain. The company designs and manufactures its own batteries, electric powertrains, semiconductors, and vehicle control systems – a vertically integrated model that enhances both innovation and resilience. It employs over 120,000 engineers and technicians and files more than 40 patents each working day.
Among BYD’s most notable innovations is the Blade Battery, introduced in 2020. This lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery features a slim, rectangular form factor that enhances thermal management and crash safety. In puncture testing – designed to simulate extreme internal short circuits – the battery showed no smoke or fire, maintaining internal temperatures between 30–60°C. Capable of over 5,000 charge-discharge cycles, the Blade Battery represents a major advance in both longevity and safety.
As global competition in the NEV space intensifies, BYD’s rapid scaling, end-to-end innovation, and expanding global footprint give it a strategic edge. With the 13 million milestone now behind it, BYD is well-positioned to shape the next phase of the electric transition not just in China, but across the globe.
