BYD India is stepping up efforts to locally certify more of its electric vehicles as it looks to overcome import restrictions and scale volumes in the country. The company is working with Indian authorities to homologate models such as the Seal and Sealion 7, which would remove the current cap of 2,500 units per model annually and allow sales to align with demand.

At present, the Atto 3 and eMax 7 are certified locally, enabling unrestricted sales. Other models remain subject to import limits, constraining growth despite rising demand.

“Some of our models are already approved for the Indian market, while others are at different stages of certification,” said Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles, BYD India, adding that timelines for approvals remain uncertain.

Premium positioning intact amid rising competition

Despite intensifying competition and new global entrants, BYD continues to focus on the premium EV segment in India, with no immediate plans to dilute its positioning. Models such as the Seal and Sealion 7 are expected to drive incremental volumes.

“We continue to see steady demand, particularly in the premium EV space,” Chauhan said, noting that the company expects at least double-digit growth in 2026. He added that the strategy will remain measured, without aggressive pricing moves.

Network expansion supports demand in key urban markets

The company recently inaugurated a new showroom in Moti Nagar, Delhi NCR—its largest in the country—in partnership with PPS Motors, as part of its focus on strengthening presence in key urban centres.

“Delhi NCR remains a critical market for us,” Chauhan said. “Our approach is to expand in a calibrated manner, ensuring accessibility improves alongside demand.”

Adding to the company’s retail push, Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd., said the latest showroom marks a strategic milestone in expanding BYD’s presence in northern India.

Hybrids remain a future option

While BYD continues with a fully electric portfolio in India, it is also evaluating the potential introduction of plug-in hybrid vehicles depending on market evolution.

“Globally, we have strong capabilities in hybrid technologies, and we remain flexible depending on how the Indian market develops,” Chauhan said. He reiterated that the company’s broader strategy will remain aligned with demand trends and regulatory developments.

Demand surge highlights supply constraints

BYD India recorded an estimated 88% rise in sales to over 5,400 units last year, even as the overall EV market grew about 77%. However, high import duties of up to 110% and regulatory caps on non-certified models continue to limit volumes, even as bookings remain strong.

With global expansion gaining urgency amid slowing growth in China, India is emerging as a key market for BYD, though policy constraints and competitive pressures continue to shape its growth trajectory.

Meanwhile, speculation around local manufacturing continues to gather pace amid rising demand and supply constraints. When asked, a company spokesperson said BYD remains open to evaluating all available options for the Indian market.