Quick look
-
After taking 13 years to produce its first million NEVs, BYD added its latest 5 million units in just 13 months.
-
Reaching 15 million units makes BYD the world’s first automaker to hit this mark (with NEVs), effectively surpassing the total EV production of Tesla and Volkswagen combined.
BYD reinforced its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) with the production of its 15 millionth NEV recently. The automaker, which began making cars in 2005, produced its first NEV (which are models with hybrid electric and fully electric powertrains) in 2008.
Producing NEVs since 2008
The first NEV was the F3DM, which was also the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid (PHEV). 13 years later, it passed the 1 million NEV mark. Expansion and the popularity of its electrified models saw production accelerating. From 10 million to 15 million was achieved in just 13 months. In fact, the 14 millionth NEV was completed in October 2025.
The milestone unit was a DENZA N8L, a large 6-seat SUV produced at BYD’s Jinan factory in China. It utilises the same Super Hybrid and e3 (‘e-cube’) platform as the Z9GT, the sporty shooting brake that will lead the introduction of DENZA – a premium electric brand – in Europe in 2026.
Even more vehicles sold in 2025
The latest achievement completes an impressive year of growth for the automaker, with total production for the first 11 months of 2025 totalling 4.182 million vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 11.3%. Overseas sales in the same period reached 917,000 units, surpassing the total achieved in the whole of 2024, and BYD’s global footprint now spans more than 110 countries and regions.
As a technology company, BYD continues to invest heavily in R&D. This steadfast commitment has produced innovations in everything from battery chemistry and packaging to intelligent driving assistance and megawatt Flash Charging, which makes recharging as fast as refuelling and is also destined for introduction in Europe in 2026.
Find out more about BYD models in Malaysia
