The BYD Shenzen, its new ro-ro ship that can carry 9,200 vehicles, has officially undocked. BYD’s new car carrier is the world’s largest as the EV giant aggressively expands overseas. After sales surged last year, the Chinese EV leader looks for even more global market share in 2025.
BYD Shenzen undocks as the world’s largest car carrier
BYD sold a record 4.25 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) last year, over 40% more than it did in 2023. That includes electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Although several automakers have yet to release full-year sales results, BYD is expected to outsell several global auto leaders, such as Ford, Honda, and Nissan. Meanwhile, this year could be even bigger for China’s largest automaker.
According to a new report from China News Service (via IT Home), the BYD Shenzen, the company’s fourth ro-ro (roll-on/Roll-off) ship, finished undocking and is ready to set sail.
BYD’s new car carrier is the world’s largest, capable of transporting up to 9,200 vehicles. Since 2024, BYD has launched four ro-ro ships as it expands into new overseas markets.
The first, the BYD Explorer No 1, was launched in January 2024. It has already completed several trips to Europe, including Spain and Germany, and also docked in Brazil.
BYD’s second (BYD Changzhou) was put into operation in early December 2024, followed by the BYD Hefei, which set sail last week. All three can carry up to 7,000 vehicles.
The Hefei hit the seas last week, carrying 5,000 NEVs. BYD said the vessel will “accelerate the internationalization process of China’s new energy vehicles.”
The BYD Shenzen, named after its hometown, is not only the world’s largest but also the most environmentally friendly. According to the report, the new ship includes BYD box-type battery packs and shaft-belt generators for the first time.
Electrek’s Take
BYD has already entered 100 countries and regions globally, but it’s poised for even more growth in 2025. After producing over 1.77 million vehicles last year, BYD topped Tesla by about 4,500 units to become the world’s largest EV maker.
Meanwhile, Tesla delivered slightly more fully electric vehicles, with 1.78 million in 2024, compared to BYD’s 1.76 million.
With an influx of new rivals in China, BYD is aggressively expanding into new overseas. After entering Japan in 2023, a market dominated by domestic automakers, BYD sold more EVs than Toyota in 2024.
After launching its first EV in South Korea this week, starting at just over $20,000, BYD will now challenge Hyundai and Korea on their home turf.
BYD’s growing presence is forcing legacy automakers to take drastic actions to keep up. After falling behind, Japan’s Nissan and Honda are now teaming up on EVs to fend off BYD’s surge.
In Thailand, or the “Detroit of Asia,” as it’s called, Japanese automakers have watched their market share fall from 90% to just 76% over the past two years amid BYD’s growing presence.
With new vehicles launching in Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, and many more regions this year, BYD is poised for more growth in 2025.
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