Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Build Your Dreams (BYD) has refuted any claims of establishing a manufacturing facility in India. A few days ago, a media report claimed that BYD is planning to set up a manufacturing facility in Hyderabad for local production of EVs in India. However, BYD has denied any such reports.
According to The Bridge Chronicle, BYD has clarified that while it is exploring opportunities in India, the company has no definitive plans regarding a manufacturing facility in Hyderabad or elsewhere. The company reaffirmed its commitment to assessing market conditions and regulatory frameworks before making any major investments.
Recent reports suggested that BYD will invest Rs 85,000 crore ($10 billion) in building a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in India. A separate report claimed that Telangana government officials confirmed that the state government has identified 200 acres of land for BYD. The report claimed that BYD is looking to build the facility in a joint venture with the Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) group.
The company has reportedly been exploring locations in Telangana for the proposed facility, with Hyderabad emerging as a potential final choice. As per the report, the Indian plant will span over 500 acres and is expected to have a production capacity of 600,000 vehicles by 2032. Additionally, BYD is planning to establish a battery manufacturing unit with a capacity of 20 GWh.
Currently, BYD operates a small assembly base in Tamil Nadu from where the company rolls out its electric buses. That said, this wasn’t the first instance when it was reported that BYD will set up a new manufacturing base in India. Talks of BYD establishing a manufacturing base in India has been going on for a long time but contradictory reports make it difficult to predict any developments from the company.
BYD expansion in India
BYD has long been focused on expanding its presence across India. Last year, the company operated 27 dealerships nationwide and aims to increase this number to 47 by the end of the year, with a strategic push into tier-II cities while maintaining a strong foothold in major metropolitan areas.
Beyond expanding its network, BYD is also targeting the growing mass-market EV segment with a sub-Rs 20 lakh model reportedly in development. Establishing a local production facility would significantly reduce development and manufacturing costs. Additionally, lower production expenses and government incentives are expected to translate into more affordable pricing for consumers.
