Chinese automaker unveils world's first plug-in hybrid engine designed for biofuel operation, marking technological advance as company doubles down on Brazilian market with factory expansion plans.
15 Oct 2025 | 3238 Views | By Ajit Dalvi
BYD has become the first automotive manufacturer to produce 14 million new energy vehicles, reaching the milestone on October 13 at its newly inaugurated assembly plant in Camacari, Brazil. The company simultaneously launched a biofuel-compatible version of its Super Hybrid powertrain, designed specifically for the Brazilian market.
The achievement ...
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BYD has become the first automotive manufacturer to produce 14 million new energy vehicles, reaching the milestone on October 13 at its newly inaugurated assembly plant in Camacari, Brazil. The company simultaneously launched a biofuel-compatible version of its Super Hybrid powertrain, designed specifically for the Brazilian market.
The achievement comes less than three months after BYD produced its 13 millionth NEV on July 21, indicating a production rate of approximately one million vehicles every 81 days. The 14 millionth vehicle, a Song Pro COP30 special edition, rolled off the production line during a ceremony attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Song Pro COP30 features a modified version of BYD's DM-i technology, with a 1.5-liter engine capable of running on any ratio of petrol and ethanol. More than 100 engineers from China and Brazil collaborated over two years to develop the system, which allows the vehicle to utilize ethanol, Brazil's widely available renewable fuel. BYD will donate 30 units of this model to COP30, the United Nations Climate Summit scheduled to begin in Belem, Brazil on November 10.
The Camacari plant, which began operations in July 2025, was constructed in 15 months. It currently has capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles annually in its initial phase, with plans to reach 300,000 units in a later stage.
Wang Chuanfu announced an additional investment to further expand capacity to 600,000 vehicles per year. The facility employs more than 1,500 people and is BYD's largest production site outside Asia.
BYD has expanded its Brazilian dealer network to over 200 locations across all states, capitals, and major cities, with plans to reach 250 outlets in the coming months. The company manufactures batteries, electric motors, and control systems for its vehicles.