BYD, the world’s second-largest electric car manufacturer, is gearing up to make its mark in the competitive Indian market by exploring the launch of a midsize electric SUV in the B-segment. This vehicle, expected to be priced around Rs 20 lakh, could position BYD as a formidable competitor in the rapidly expanding Indian electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
As the company eyes this new segment, it seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for affordable electric SUVs, potentially placing itself in direct competition with established players. Both Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India are preparing to enter the mainstream EV market by 2025, and BYD’s potential entry with its midsize SUV could create a significant challenge for them.
BYD India has already shortlisted several models for the market and, if its exploration and research yield positive results, it plans to launch its Rs 20 lakh electric SUV by the second half of 2025. This would directly pit BYD against Hyundai’s upcoming Creta EV and Maruti Suzuki’s eVX, both of which are expected to dominate the market when they launch.
The Bharat Mobility Show, scheduled for January 2025, could serve as a crucial platform for BYD to showcase this new model. By revealing the SUV at the show, BYD would have the opportunity to assess potential buyers’ interest and refine its product based on consumer feedback before an official market release.
Rajeev Chauhan, head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, shared the company’s plans with Autocar Professional. “Many auto companies in India are conducting varying levels of research, and we are doing the same. Based on the outcome of our study, we aim to introduce an electric SUV priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50 lakh,” Chauhan stated.
He further noted that BYD is on a journey to enter the mass-market EV space in India. “Currently, our products are not positioned within the Rs 15 lakh-25 lakh price range, which represents a large portion of the Indian automotive market. We are working towards understanding the segment better and developing the right business case to enter this orbit.”
BYD’s potential entry into the Rs 20 lakh EV segment would also put it in direct competition with Tata Motors, the current leader in India’s electric vehicle market, which is actively expanding its portfolio. Additionally, Mahindra, known for its stronghold in the SUV market, is preparing to launch a range of all-electric SUVs, making the competition even fiercer.
BYD India, a subsidiary of the global electric vehicle leader BYD (Build Your Dreams), focuses on bringing innovative, eco-friendly solutions to the Indian market. Specializing in electric vehicles and renewable energy, BYD India is committed to advancing sustainable mobility and clean energy technologies, positioning itself as a key player in India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle industry.
