TLDRs;
Contents
- BYD has added two large car carriers to support surging global demand, exporting over 374,000 EVs in just five months.
- A brutal price war in China’s domestic EV market is pushing companies like BYD to seek better margins overseas.
- BYD’s growing shipping fleet marks a strategic move toward full vertical integration in its global supply chain.
- Once seen as a low-cost imitator, BYD is now a global EV leader, outpacing Tesla in parts of Europe.
Chinese electric vehicle leader BYD has added two new car-carrying ships to its logistics arsenal as it accelerates overseas expansion in response to surging export demand.
The newly launched vessels, named the Changsha and Xi’an, each have the capacity to transport 9,200 vehicles. Their addition brings BYD’s total operational fleet to six ships, collectively capable of moving 45,600 cars.
The Xi’an has already begun its maiden voyage, departing from the port of Taicang in Jiangsu province with 7,000 electric vehicles headed for destinations across Europe, including Italy, Spain, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Two more ships, expected to join the fleet in the near future, will add another 16,200 vehicle capacity, reinforcing BYD’s ability to serve its growing international customer base.
Soaring Exports Underscore Strategic Pivot
Between January and May 2025, BYD exported 374,200 vehicles, marking a dramatic 112% increase from the same period in 2024. This momentum underscores the company’s shift from a domestically centered automaker to a major global exporter. In early 2024, just 10% of BYD’s vehicle deliveries were international. That figure has more than doubled in 2025 to 21.5%, illustrating how quickly the company has adjusted its priorities in the face of changing market dynamics.
Behind this global push is a turbulent domestic landscape. An intense price war among Chinese EV makers has led to a widespread drop in profit margins, with vehicle prices falling by nearly 19% over two years. BYD has slashed prices on 22 models by as much as 30% to stay competitive at home. These price cuts, while necessary to defend market share, have strained profitability, making exports a more attractive channel for sustained growth.
Shipping Fleet Signals Vertical Integration Strategy
BYD’s investment in its own shipping fleet is not simply a logistical move, but part of a broader strategy to vertically integrate its operations.
By owning its transport vessels, BYD can reduce dependency on third-party shippers, improve cost efficiency, and ensure better delivery timelines. This approach mirrors a growing trend among Chinese automakers, as firms like SAIC Motor, Geely, and Chery also expand their shipping capabilities to support rising exports.
The shift toward vertical integration is playing a key role in China’s broader automotive ambitions. In 2023, China overtook Japan as the world’s largest vehicle exporter, with more than 3.1 million units shipped. BYD’s fleet expansion represents both a logistical necessity and a strategic assertion of control over its end-to-end export operations.
From Copycat to Global Contender
BYD’s rise on the global stage is particularly notable given its past reputation as a copycat brand. Once known for low-cost imitations, the company has redefined its identity through major investments in research and development, battery technology, and design. Its proprietary Blade Battery and cost-effective supply chain now offer performance and safety features that rival or exceed those of established players.
The company’s growing reputation in Europe, where it recently outpaced Tesla in EV sales, reflects its success in leveraging technology and pricing to appeal to a wider audience. BYD’s Dolphin Surf model, for instance, sells for €22,990 in Europe, more than double its price in China, offering the automaker a far more favorable margin abroad.
