China’s BYD, which has already surpassed Tesla in sales across the UK and Europe, is intensifying its push into the region with a bold rollout of new electric and plug-in hybrid models, including its most affordable EV yet, the Dolphin Surf.
Launched earlier this month, the Dolphin Surf is a rebadged version of BYD’s Seagull city car, priced from £18,650 ($25,000) in the UK. The model enters a highly competitive entry-level segment dominated by cars like the Dacia Spring, which starts at £14,995.
At a UK launch event, BYD’s special advisor for Europe, Alfredo Altavilla, emphasized the scale of the company’s ambitions. “We have been launching six cars in less than a year,” Altavilla said, as quoted by Autocar. “We are covering all of the most important segments of the European car market.” He added that no other brand has executed a product rollout of this magnitude in the region.
Though BYD is widely recognized for its value-oriented EVs in China, including the sub-$10,000 Seagull, it is also targeting premium segments in Europe with its Denza and Yangwang sub-brands. Denza aims to rival performance-oriented German brands like Porsche, while Yangwang is being positioned as BYD’s ultra-luxury flagship brand.
Production at BYD’s new plant in Hungary is expected to begin by the end of 2024. The facility will help BYD adapt its vehicles to meet regional preferences. “As we go forward into 2026, more and more of the BYD line-up will be specific to this region,” Altavilla said.
Separately, BYD confirmed that its car carrier Xi’an is preparing to depart with 7,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles bound for the UK, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and other European markets, underscoring the scale and pace of its global export ambitions.