For those who don’t know — BYD is the largest electric carmaker in the world. While many know the brand, few know the brain behind it — Wang Chuanfu. Here is the story behind the man who built the largest electric car brand in the world, purely through his obsession, resilience, and innovation.
Who is Wang Chuanfu?
Born in a small village in the Jiangsu province in 1966, Chuanfu’s life was not easy. Orphaned at an early age, he was determined to be successful. His focus was on chemistry, and he made it to Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, he mastered himself with the skill required to become the world’s largest EV maker.
Wang Chuanfu co-founded BYD in 1996, and quickly established itself as a key player in the mobile phone market. With Chuanfu’s relentless pursuit for better quality and efficiency, BYD soon took the lead and by 2002, BYD was the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries for mobile phones. However, his dreams were beyond batteries.
BYD’s venture into the automotive space
Wang Chuanfu’s ambition was to revolutionise the automotive industry. In 2003, BYD acquired an automotive brand, marking its entry into the automotive space. The company initially focused on fuel-efficient vehicles, but Chuanfu’s passion was in the field of making electric vehicles. This drive to make sustainable vehicles and the company’s expertise in battery technology aligned perfectly to create the BYD brand we know today.
The company’s early years saw challenges from established automakers and consumers, however, Chuanfu’s determination got the better of everyone and in 2020, the company saw a major breakthrough with the Blade Battery, which had better density, efficiency, and lifespan, addressing critical issues with battery technology. This helped the carmaker sell 4.27 million electric vehicles in 2024, while Tesla sold 1.79 million.
BYD in India
Now, BYD has set foot in India and is planning on establishing itself here as a key player in one of the world’s largest automobile markets, while Tesla is still unsure about its entry to India. BYD already has four models on sale – Atto 3, Seal, Sealion 7 and eMax 7 – while more are yet to come. The company has also strengthened its local network and is expanding its presence in India.
