BYD proposes investing US$1 billion in India to build EVs, batteries: sources
CHINA’S BYD has submitted a US$1 billion investment proposal to build electric cars and batteries in India, in partnership with a local company, three people with direct knowledge of the plan told Reuters.
The company and privately-held, Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures have submitted a proposal to Indian regulators to form an electric vehicle (EV) joint venture, the people said, asking not to be named because the application is private.
The longer-term plan is to build a full line-up of BYD-brand EVs in India, ranging from hatchbacks to luxury models, one of the sources said.
BYD, the world’s largest producer of EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company previously said it planned to set up manufacturing in India, now the world’s third-largest car market.
India’s commerce and heavy industries ministries did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
BYD’s push into India is part of its rapid global expansion to challenge Tesla, which still leads in sales of EVs alone. If the India investment is approved, it would give BYD a presence in all major global car markets, with the exception of the United States.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Tesla recently restarted talks with India’s government after putting on hold plans to enter the market last year, when it failed to secure lower tax duties on imported vehicles in talks with officials.
BYD has already invested US$200 million in India, where it sells the Atto 3 electric sport utility vehicle and the e6 EV to corporate fleets, and plans to launch its Seal luxury electric sedan this year.
The total production capacity proposed by BYD was not immediately clear.
SEE ALSO
The maker of Blade batteries as well as finished EVs has plans to scale up production to 100,000 EVs annually in India over a few years. But it would likely begin by shipping vehicles in parts for assembly in the country as it works to build up a supply chain, one of the sources said.
The investment proposal also includes a plan by BYD and Megha to set up charging stations in India, and build research and development and training centres, the sources said. REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
