After announcing its desire to launch three electric models in Europe by the end of the year, the Chinese giant BYD and number 2 electric car manufacturer in the world (behind Tesla) is considering setting up a factory in the Old Continent.
In recent months, many Chinese manufacturers have announced in turn their ambitions for an arrival in Europe. We are thinking in particular of Nio and Xpeng, but also of BYD, which plans to launch no less than three electric models on the Old Continent. However, the firm already has a foothold with us, as it has recently marketed the Tang, a large seven-seater SUV in Norway. But now she wants to go even further.
Towards a European production
Indeed, the British site Coach was able to speak with Bryan Yang, assistant general manager from BYD Europe. And it gave valuable information on the future of the Chinese manufacturer in Europe. If it currently produces all its cars in its native country, and more precisely in Shenzhen, this could soon change..
According to the brand’s spokesperson, the idea of producing cars locally would be “interesting”. He emphasizes thinking about implementation plans here, but specifies that this will be done step by step. Regarding the establishment of a factory in Europe, Bryan Yang replies that ” we don’t have a solid plan yet. We have just started to learn, to really understand the needs of our customers, and if everything goes well and we build all the foundations and the structure here, it could lead to local production”.
What about batteries?
Producing cars in Europe would have several advantages for BYD. This would first allow the brand to reduce delivery times, but also the expenses related to the transport of vehicles to their final destination.. On the other hand, it is not yet known if the batteries will continue to be produced in China and then exported to the Old Continent or if the brand also plans to build a factory intended for the manufacture of the latter.
This possibility could also be interesting for BYD, which also manufactures batteries for Tesla. Elon Musk’s firm does not produce any on our soil, while the Berlin Gigafactory is only responsible for assembling the Model Y Performance for the moment. Battery production should follow, in a second step, with the famous 4680.
Ambitious projects
If BYD is still behind Tesla in terms of sales, the Chinese firm intends to overshadow its American rival. For this, it does not exclude in particular to join forces with a European manufacturer in order to pool development costs.. By the way, BYD is already working with Toyota in the development of affordable electric models in China.
According to Bryan Yang, the manufacturer is open to the idea of providing its e-Platform 3.0 technical base to other brands. A common practice, while some European models use Chinese platforms, such as the Smart #1. This will also be the case for the next electric Mini and the future Volvo XC20.
Chinese competitors are also targeting Europe
But BYD isn’t the only Chinese brand planning to set up a factory in Europe.. As related CoachNio would also be interested in this idea, while his boss, William Li, said last year that ” I think if we sell a lot of cars in the European market, we can also explore the possibilities of working with other partners in the supply chain […] I know that in Europe there is a real production capacity. We can also explore the possibility of working with other OEMs and discussing joint manufacturing with them.“.
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