The Chinese giant's strategy aims to educate consumers and overcome regional inequality in the charging network, launching more hybrid cars than electric ones
BYD, which has consolidated Brazil as one of its strategic markets outside Asia, plans to take some of the focus off 100% electric cars in order to make efforts in other segments. According to the brand’s global executive vice president, Stella Li, hybrid vehicles are the ball of the moment, as they play a crucial role as a technological “bridge”, facilitating the consumer’s migration from combustion cars to full electrification in a gradual transition scenario.
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The executive’s analysis is based on the current distribution of the Brazilian energy grid. Li pointed out during the Beijing Motor Show that the country’s large territorial extension imposes severe regional inequality in the network of electric stations. To enable large-scale electrification, BYD is betting on alternatives that offer greater autonomy and independence from the immediate charging network, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) and, in the near future, the development of flex hybrid engines — a solution that combines the efficiency of batteries with the low carbon footprint of ethanol.
Currently, the Chinese manufacturer diversifies its offensive with launches such as the Song Pro and Song Plus SUVs, which uses hybrid technology to attract the agribusiness public and drivers who travel long distances. At the same time, purely electric models, such as the Dolphin Mini, maintain momentum in urban sales, competing directly on price with compact hatches equipped with traditional flex engines.
Li points out that the evolution of electric vehicles will be dictated by constant advances in battery density and cost reduction. However, for Brazil, the initial focus on the hybrid system allows for “educating” the market and establishing consumer confidence. “The hybrid is the easiest way to take the customer to the new era”, defended the executive in an interview with Motor1.
