BYD has launched the world’s largest car carrier to fuel the global EV takeover

the BYD Shenzen, the new ro-ro ship that can carry 9,200 cars, has officially undocked. BYD’s new car carrier is the largest in the world as the EV giant aggressively expands overseas. After last year’s sales growth, China’s EV leader is looking for more global market share by 2025.

BYD Shenzen undocks as the world’s largest car carrier

BYD sold a record 4.25 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) last year, more than 40% than in 2023. That includes electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Although many 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), BYD Shenzen, the company’s fourth ro-ro (roll-on/Roll-off) vessel, has finished undocking and is ready to sail.

BYD’s new car carrier is the largest in the world, which can carry up to 9,200 cars. Since 2024, BYD has launched four ro-ro ships as it expands into new overseas markets.

The first, the BYD Explorer No 1launched in January 2024. It has completed several trips to Europe, including Spain and Germany, and has also landed in Brazil.

The second one of BYD (BYD Changzhou) was implemented in early December 2024, followed by BYD Hefei, which sailed last week. All three can carry up to 7,000 vehicles.

The Hefei hit the ocean last week, carrying 5,000 NEVs. BYD said the ship will “accelerate the internationalization process of China’s new energy vehicles.”

BYD Shenzen, named after its hometown, is not only the largest in the world 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.

Acquisition of Electrek

BYD has already entered 100 countries and regions around the world, but it is ready for further growth in 2025. After producing more than 1.77 million vehicles last year, BYD is leading of Tesla by about 4,500 units to become the world’s largest EV maker.

Meanwhile, Tesla delivers slightly more fully electric cars, with 1.78 million in 2024, compared to BYD’s 1.76 million.

With the influx of new rivals in China, BYD has aggressively expanded into new overseas markets. After entering Japan in 2023, a market dominated by domestic automakers, BYD more EVs are sold than Toyota in 2024.

After its launch 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 putting pressure on legacy automakers to take drastic actions to continue. After the fall, 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 is called, Japanese automakers have seen their market share drop from 90% to just 76% in the past two years amid the growing presence of BYD.

With new vehicles launched in Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, and many other regions this year, BYD is poised for further growth in 2025.