BYD's 3 millionth new energy vehicle rolled off the production line, November 16, 2022. Credit: BYD
When BYD launched its line of electric vehicles in the mid-2010s, its models were named for Chinese dynasties. The Qin, China’s first dynasty, is a popular entry level option. The Han, imperial China’s first golden age, is the company’s flagship EV. The Tang, China’s most prosperous dynasty, is an imposing SUV.
The cars have been a roaring success. BYD overtook Tesla in the first half of 2022 to become the world’s most popular new-energy vehicle producer. Thanks to its early bet on electric cars, the company is at the forefront of the automotive world’s clean energy transition. Now, as BYD looks to break into international markets, it may be building a dynasty of its own.
Data: Annual reports
This week, The Wire looks at BYD, the formidable conglomerate and China’s most successful electric vehicle maker: its origins, how it sidestepped supply chain woes to dominate China’s EV market, and its hopes of becoming China’s first internationally successf
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