European presence of BYD is attributed to its thriving bus and truck ventures
BYD Makes a Mark in Europe's Electric Vehicle Market
Chinese automotive giant BYD has established a significant presence in Europe's commercial vehicle market, particularly in the electric bus sector. According to recent reports, France, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, and Germany collectively account for more than half of Europe's current electric bus fleet, with BYD playing a notable role in this market.
The European electric bus market is projected to reach $9.44 billion by 2034, driven by environmental regulations and the transition to sustainable public transport. BYD, with its focus on urban logistics solutions and electric buses, is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth.
In contrast to its strategy in other markets, BYD has not introduced pickup trucks in Europe. Instead, the company has developed a comprehensive electric truck lineup for European logistics. The ETM6, a 7.5-ton truck with a 200-kilometer range, targets urban delivery operations, while the EYT 2.0 is a heavy-duty port and airport cargo truck capable of handling up to 75 tons.
BYD's European expansion strategy focuses on establishing local partnerships and adapting to regional logistics needs. This approach has been successful, with BYD vehicles now operating in major European cities such as Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, and Milan. Besides these cities, BYD has also delivered and put into operation BYD electric buses in Budapest and cities in Germany such as Bochum, Gelsenkirchen, and Herne by 2025.
BYD's European success stems from adapting its electric vehicle expertise to local requirements. The company's iron-phosphate Blade Battery technology, which powers all BYD commercial vehicles, is particularly well-suited to the European market due to its long lifespan and high safety standards.
The number of BYD-platform vehicles produced in the US is relevant to targets under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which created the Environmental Protection Agencyβs (EPA) Clean School Bus (CSB) Program to fund electric school buses. BYD is also present in the US through purpose-built vehicles, mostly school buses and special application vehicles, which are built by the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) Workers Union, Local 105.
However, BYD faces competition in the European electric bus market from domestic manufacturers like Poland's Solaris, Germany's MAN, and the BYD-ADL partnership. In the first half of 2023, the top three market positions in the European electric bus market were held by Solaris, MAN, and the BYD-ADL partnership. Despite this competition, BYD's focus on local partnerships and adaptability to regional needs has helped the company maintain a strong position in the market.
Battery-electric bus registrations in Europe reached 5,315 units in the first half of 2025 alone, indicating a rapidly expanding market. This growth is expected to continue as more cities and countries transition to sustainable public transport solutions. With its focus on electric vehicles and its commitment to adapting to local needs, BYD is well-positioned to continue its success in Europe's commercial vehicle market.
In conclusion, BYD's strategic approach to the European market, coupled with its focus on electric vehicles and adaptability to local needs, has helped the company establish a significant presence in Europe's commercial vehicle market. As the market for electric vehicles continues to grow, BYD is poised to capitalise on this trend and expand its operations in Europe.
