BYD’s Europe EV push: two plants now, battery pivot next
BYD accelerates Europe EV strategy with Hungary and Turkey plants, eyes local batteries
BYD’s Europe EV push: two plants now, battery pivot next
BYD ramps up its Europe EV push with plants in Hungary and Turkey (500,000/year), eyes local battery production, premium brands, and 1 MW megachargers across EU.
2025-09-25T16:59:01+03:00
2025-09-25T16:59:01+03:00
2025-09-25T16:59:01+03:00
BYD is stepping up its European push, preparing to launch two electric-vehicle factories—one in Hungary and another in Turkey—with a combined capacity of up to 500,000 cars a year. A third site is already on the table, and the company faces a strategic choice: build even more vehicles or pivot that investment into battery production.Speaking at a conference in Milan, BYD’s adviser for Europe, Alfredo Altavilla, said it made little sense to ship batteries from China if the cars are assembled in Europe. The logic is hard to fault, especially given BYD’s position as the world’s second-largest battery maker after CATL.Shifting part of that battery footprint into the EU would trim costs and reinforce the brand just as Brussels rolls out new protectionist measures. It is a pragmatic move that does more than streamline logistics; it plants deeper roots in a market where credibility and proximity matter.Europe still lacks sufficient homegrown battery capacity even as demand for EVs and hybrids accelerates. BYD’s vice president, Stella Li, has stressed that the company is working toward fully European assembly by 2028. A decision on the format of the third site is due within two years, with electricity prices set to be the decisive factor.Beyond manufacturing, BYD plans to expand its footprint with premium labels Denza and YangWang, and to introduce 1 MW megachargers across Europe. Taken together, these steps signal a long-term bet on the region—and a serious bid to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s finest.
BYD, Europe EV, EU factories, Hungary plant, Turkey plant, battery production, Denza, YangWang, 1 MW megachargers, 500000 capacity, European assembly 2028, EV strategy
2025
Michael Powers
news
BYD accelerates Europe EV strategy with Hungary and Turkey plants, eyes local batteries
BYD ramps up its Europe EV push with plants in Hungary and Turkey (500,000/year), eyes local battery production, premium brands, and 1 MW megachargers across EU.
Michael Powers, Editor
BYD is stepping up its European push, preparing to launch two electric-vehicle factories—one in Hungary and another in Turkey—with a combined capacity of up to 500,000 cars a year. A third site is already on the table, and the company faces a strategic choice: build even more vehicles or pivot that investment into battery production.
Speaking at a conference in Milan, BYD’s adviser for Europe, Alfredo Altavilla, said it made little sense to ship batteries from China if the cars are assembled in Europe. The logic is hard to fault, especially given BYD’s position as the world’s second-largest battery maker after CATL.
Shifting part of that battery footprint into the EU would trim costs and reinforce the brand just as Brussels rolls out new protectionist measures. It is a pragmatic move that does more than streamline logistics; it plants deeper roots in a market where credibility and proximity matter.
Europe still lacks sufficient homegrown battery capacity even as demand for EVs and hybrids accelerates. BYD’s vice president, Stella Li, has stressed that the company is working toward fully European assembly by 2028. A decision on the format of the third site is due within two years, with electricity prices set to be the decisive factor.
Beyond manufacturing, BYD plans to expand its footprint with premium labels Denza and YangWang, and to introduce 1 MW megachargers across Europe. Taken together, these steps signal a long-term bet on the region—and a serious bid to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s finest.
