BYD reveals second megacarrier

BYD is taking is new energy vehicle technology into another dimension as it announces a new dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off car carrier capable of transporting up to 7000 vehicles.

Powered by a combination of liquid natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil, the BYD-owned vessel is designed specifically to meet loading requirements of both battery electric and internal combustion vehicles.

Manufactured at China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International shipyards, the BYD Hefei is named after the firm’s mega-factory and is the second of seven commissioned to assist in the brand’s planned global expansion.

BYD unveiled its first 7000-vehicle carrier, the Explorer No. 1, in January of this year. The leased carrier was built by China International Marine Containers for its partner Zodiac Shipping.

Speaking at an unveiling ceremony this week, representatives from Guangzhou Shipyard International say the BYD Hefei will commence sea trials this week before embarking on duty with BYD.

The vessel will sail under the Hong Kong flag and boasts an impressive set of numbers. Overall length of the carrier is 200 metres, its beam (width) 38 metres, draught nine metres, and dead weight 18,400 tons (16,692 tonnes).

Those numbers join what can only be described as equally impressive numbers from the OEM itself.

BYD has become the world’s largest new energy vehicle (NEV) producer, selling 2,328,449 units YTD to the end of August (2024) – an increase of 29.9 per cent on the same time last year.

The manufacturer sold 264,869 units overseas to the end of August, up 125.5 per cent year on year.

By 2026, BYD says it is expected to achieve full-year deliveries of six million units, with approximately 1.5 million sold in overseas markets.

Locally, BYD has sold 13,355 units to the end of August (2024), up 66.9 per cent on the same time last year.

By way of comparison, Chery has sold 6240 units (+106.4 per cent), GWM 27,991 units (+21.8 per cent), LDV 11,395 units (-21.1 per cent), MG Motor 32,255 units (-13.8 per cent), and Tesla 23,116 units (-29.6 per cent).