BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) is set to kick off production at its Hungarian passenger vehicle plant later this year. The company’s first model to roll off the assembly line at the Hungarian facility will be the Seagull electric hatchback. This marks BYD’s first foray into manufacturing electric vehicles in Europe.
According to a recent announcement on the semi-official Weibo account @小迪快报, BYD also has plans to introduce its cutting-edge 1-MW ultra-fast chargers to the European market. These ultra-fast chargers are capable of adding 2 km of range to an electric vehicle in just 1 second, or a whopping 400 km in a mere 5 minutes. This game-changing technology is expected to revolutionize the charging experience for EV owners across Europe.
The Hungarian plant, located in Szeged, Hungary, was first announced by BYD in December 2023. The company signed a land pre-purchase agreement with the Szeged government in January 2024, with a commitment to have the plant up and running within three years. The facility is expected to primarily focus on producing passenger vehicles for the European market.
While there were initial reports suggesting a delay in mass production at the Hungarian plant until 2026, BYD has since clarified that construction is progressing as planned. Production is on track to commence by the end of 2025, showcasing BYD’s commitment to expanding its presence in Europe.
In addition to manufacturing electric vehicles, BYD is also gearing up to deploy 200-300 1-MW ultra-fast chargers across Europe next year. These chargers will be a game-changer for EV owners, offering lightning-fast charging speeds that will significantly reduce charging times and enhance the overall convenience of electric vehicle ownership.
BYD currently offers a range of passenger vehicles in 32 European countries and regions, with a diverse portfolio of 13 models spanning hatchbacks to mid-to-large SUVs. The company has ambitious plans to establish over 2,000 retail outlets across Europe by the end of 2026, with a particular focus on expanding its presence in Germany.
Overall, BYD’s entry into the European market with its Hungarian plant and ultra-fast chargers signals a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, BYD is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of electric mobility in Europe and beyond.
