BYD has record global EV sales in November, but growth rate flattens

BYD has posted record global sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the month of November, although the rate of expansion has moderated as it seeks to dislodge Tesla as the undisputed leader in electric vehicles around the world.

The Chinese car maker posted 301,903 sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in November, according to the official company reporting on its Weibo page, which was a marginal rise from 301,833 units in October. Exported cars accounted for nearly 10% of the total sales in the month, equating to 30,629 NEVs.

This month was also one of the first to include sales of its recently launched four-wheel-drive vehicles which are likely to be making a bigger mark in 2024.

According to company reports, the first 11 months of the year have accounted for over 2.68 million NEVs. This puts it on track to reach its sales target of 3 million vehicles in 2023.

In Australia, BYD has also had a successful year with sales in the first 11 months reaching over 10,975 vehicles. Primarily these have been the very popular electric SUV, the Atto 3.

November was also the second month when the brand began deliveries of Australia’s most affordable EV, the BYD Dolphin, with 589 of these hatchbacks making it onto the roads during the month.

BYD and its local distributor, EV Direct, have launched the BYD Seal which started deliveries at the end of November and will also contribute to BYD’s local December sales.

This week also saw an announcement by BYD and EV Direct that significant investment in new retail stores and national expansion plans are being finalised. This is to help the brand enter the top-5 car brands in the country over the coming years.

If this were to happen, it would be one of the biggest and fastest shake-ups in the Australian car industry. 

The global vision by BYD and sales records like the one seen in November are just painting the picture of what’s to come in China and more importantly, export markets craving quality, affordable electric vehicles to decarbonise road transport.