Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is advancing its global expansion strategy by taking steps to manage EV distribution directly in Australia. The company is following a similar path to its previous move in Germany, where it gained control of sales and distribution through the acquisition of Heden Electric in August 2023. This allowed BYD to manage pricing, marketing, and customer engagement more effectively.

In Australia, BYD is preparing to assume control from EVDirect, its current official distributor. Luke Todd, founder and chairman of EVDirect, confirmed the plan, stating: “The BYD brand would thrive here,” adding that the next phase would make EV ownership “easier and more accessible than ever.”

BYD entered the Australian market in 2022 with the launch of the Atto 3 SUV. Since then, it has rapidly expanded its product offerings to include six different models: the Dolphin and Atto 3, mid-size SUVs such as the Sealion 6 and 7, the Seal electric sedan, and the Shark 6 pickup truck. In early 2025, BYD also introduced an “Essentials” trim option to provide more affordable pricing across its lineup.

According to TheDriven, BYD has gained a significant share in Australia’s EV market. As of April 2025, three of its models were among the top ten best-selling EVs. The Sealion 7, launched in February, ranked fifth with 1,473 units sold. The Atto 3 followed in sixth place with 956 units, while the Seal ranked ninth with 637 units sold. The Dolphin came in fourteenth with 431 units.

BYD’s decision to take over distribution is expected to improve service for existing customers and facilitate greater adoption of EVs in Australia. Direct control enables the company to streamline its sales and support operations while offering more competitive pricing and tailored customer experiences.

Globally, BYD’s momentum continues. The company recently outsold Tesla in EV sales across Europe for the first time in April 2025. BYD also introduced the Dolphin Surf, known as the Seagull EV in China, as part of its growing product portfolio.

S&P Global Mobility projects that BYD’s European sales will more than double this year, reaching approximately 186,000 units. BYD is also expanding into other key international markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, and New Zealand, supported by local manufacturing and new vehicle models customized for regional preferences.

With investments in battery development and fast-charging technology, BYD is positioning itself for continued growth as global demand for electric vehicles rises.

by electrek