BYD Reaches 15 Million New Energy Vehicles Produced in Record Time

By bike_ev_admin December 20, 2025 3 min read

Chinese automotive giant BYD has announced a major historic milestone: the company has officially produced its 15-millionth New Energy Vehicle (NEV).

The landmark vehicle is a six-seat premium SUV N8L from BYD’s upscale brand DENZA, underscoring the group’s growing presence in higher-end market segments.

From 1 Million to 15 Million in Just 13 Months

BYD’s achievement highlights the extraordinary pace of its expansion.
While the company needed 13 years to build its first 1 million NEVs, it took only 13 months to increase cumulative production from 1 million to 15 million vehicles.

For context:

14-millionth NEV: produced on October 9
15-millionth NEV: produced just weeks later

This acceleration reflects both rising global demand and BYD’s rapidly expanding manufacturing capacity.

Production at the Jinan Plant

The milestone vehicle rolled off the production line at BYD’s factory in Jinan, China. The facility:

Began mass production three years ago
Has become a key hub for BYD’s NEV output
Supports both electric and hybrid models

BYD defines NEVs as including:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Super Hybrid models using their DM (Dual Mode) technology

A Journey That Began in 2008

BYD’s NEV journey started in 2008 with the launch of the F3DM, China’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid.

Since then, the company has evolved from an early domestic pioneer into a global leader in electric and hybrid vehicles, batteries, power electronics, and charging technology.

Strong Production and Export Growth in 2025

BYD’s growth momentum remains strong in 2025:

4.182 million vehicles produced in the first 11 months of 2025
+11.3% year-on-year growth
917,000 vehicles sold overseas, already exceeding total exports for all of 2024

BYD vehicles are now sold in more than 110 countries and regions, reflecting rapid international expansion across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and emerging markets.

Massive Investment in Research and Development

Innovation remains central to BYD’s strategy.

R&D spending (Q1–Q3 2025):
43.75 billion yuan (~€5.3 billion), +31% year-on-year
Total cumulative R&D investment:
Over 220 billion yuan (~€26.65 billion)

These investments span:

Battery chemistry
Electric drivetrains
Power electronics
Autonomous and assisted driving
Ultra-fast charging systems

Next Step: Megawatt Flash Charging in Europe

Looking ahead, BYD plans to introduce its Megawatt Flash Charging technology to Europe in 2026.

The system is designed to dramatically reduce charging times and support higher-voltage EV platforms, reinforcing BYD’s ambition to compete not just on price and volume, but also on cutting-edge technology.

A Defining Moment for the Global EV Industry

Reaching 15 million NEVs produced places BYD among the most influential companies in the global transition to electrified transport.

The speed at which BYD has scaled production, expanded internationally, and increased R&D investment highlights a fundamental shift in the automotive industry — with Chinese manufacturers now setting the pace worldwide.