The automotive world is undergoing a transformation. Chinese technology and automotive giant BYD has set a hard-to-break record by reaching its 15 millionth unit in its production journey encompassing both fully electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.
The Hero of the Record: Denza N8L
The truly striking aspect of this achievement is the speed at which it was accomplished: It took the company 13 years to produce its first 1 millionth vehicle. However, it went from 10 million to 15 million in just 13 months. This data proves the aggressive growth of global demand for electric vehicles.
BYD’s 15 millionth vehicle is the Denza N8L, the brand’s representative in the luxury segment. This massive 6-seater SUV, which rolled off the production line at the factory in Jinan, China, is a favorite especially for large families. With a starting price of approximately €36,400 (299,800 RMB), this plug-in hybrid model combines comfort with fuel economy.
Starting as a humble battery manufacturer in 1995, BYD only entered automobile production in 2003. Here are the milestones in the company’s transformation:
- 2008: The first electric model, the F3DM, was introduced.
- March 2022: In a radical decision, production of purely gasoline-powered vehicles was completely stopped.
- Present Day: It has transformed into a massive workforce of 900,000 people, 110,000 of whom are engineers.
BYD is now on its way to becoming a global brand, not just a Chinese one. In the first 11 months of 2025, it increased its sales by 11.3% compared to the previous year, selling 4,182,038 vehicles.
Export Boom: Overseas sales reached 917,000 units in 11 months.
Global Expansion: The brand now operates in more than 110 regions. In October, its factory in Brazil produced its 14 millionth vehicle, proving the strength of local production.
BYD, opening its purse strings to stay ahead of its competitors, spent a massive €5.29 billion (43.75 billion RMB) on R&D in the first three quarters of 2025. This enormous budget is being allocated to the following technologies:
- Flash Charging: A technology that can charge the battery almost as quickly as filling a tank of gasoline.
- Autonomous Driving: Advanced driving assistance systems that maximize safety.
BYD’s next big target is the European market. Currently selling in 1,000 locations across 33 European countries, the brand plans to double its number of dealerships by the end of 2026. Furthermore, it is preparing to change the balance in the premium segment with the powerful Z9GT model, which will hit European roads next year.
