Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has announced a target to sell 1.3 million vehicles overseas in 2026, marking a significant 25% increase over its 1.04 million international deliveries in 2025. This ambitious goal underscores the company’s rapid expansion beyond its domestic market, solidifying its position as a major global EV player.
Rapid International Expansion
BYD’s growth trajectory is evident in its recent performance: overseas sales surpassed total 2024 figures in 2025 alone. The company’s reach now spans more than 110 countries and regions, with increasing activity in Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This aggressive expansion isn’t just about exporting vehicles; BYD is actively building localized production facilities to cater to international demand.
Localized Production Strategy
BYD has already completed and launched passenger vehicle plants in Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Brazil. The company’s first European factory, in Hungary, is also nearing operational status. This strategy of establishing local manufacturing hubs reduces shipping costs, avoids import tariffs, and supports faster delivery times – key factors in competitive global markets.
2025 Performance: A Mixed Picture
In 2025, BYD sold roughly 4.6 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) in total, including 2.26 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs). While the majority of sales remain domestic, the 1.04 million overseas deliveries signal a substantial shift in BYD’s global strategy. The company’s success is partly attributed to its dual-powertrain approach, offering both BEVs and plug-in hybrids, which cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Analyst Insights and Future Projections
External analysts, such as Citigroup, previously estimated BYD could target even higher export volumes of 1.5–1.6 million units for 2026. This suggests that BYD’s stated 1.3 million goal may be conservative, with room for further upward revision depending on market conditions and production capacity.
BYD’s international expansion is no longer a question of if, but how quickly the company will establish itself as a dominant force in global EV markets.
The company’s commitment to localized production, combined with its aggressive sales targets, positions it for continued growth in the coming years. This trend will likely intensify competition among automakers worldwide, forcing others to adapt and innovate to maintain market share.
