Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD plans to invest in building up to 300 fast-charging stations across South Africa by the end of 2026, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the region and advance its global expansion, according to Executive Vice President Stella Li.
Li said the company’s dealership development in South Africa remains in its early stages but forms a key part of BYD’s broader push to promote new energy vehicles (NEVs) in emerging markets. The plan underscores the automaker’s long-term commitment to supporting electric mobility infrastructure and increasing its accessibility in the country.
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The charging network initiative builds on BYD’s dealership expansion plans announced earlier this year. In June, Steve Chang, General Manager of BYD South Africa, said the company expects to have around 20 dealerships by the end of 2024, up from about 13 currently, and aims to increase that number to between 30 and 35 in 2025. The expansion is intended to boost brand visibility and customer reach across major cities in South Africa.
Several senior executives, including Li and BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu, are currently visiting South Africa, according to images shared on Weibo by BYD’s brand and public relations head Li Yunfei. The visit highlights the growing importance of the South African market within BYD’s global strategy.
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BYD formally entered South Africa’s passenger vehicle market in 2023 with the launch of its all-electric Atto 3 SUV. The company now offers six models locally — the Sealion 7 SUV, Seal sedan, Dolphin compact car, and hybrid options including the Shark 6 pickup and Sealion 6 SUV.
