Government Puts Dampener On BYD India’s Mega $1 Billion Electric Vehicle Plant

• The Indian government rejects BYD’s proposal to set up a manufacturing facility. 
• It was reportedly planning to manufacture 10,000 to 15,000 EVs per month. 
• BYD would have been collaborating with Indian company Megha Engineering and Infrastructures for an EV joint venture.
• The carmaker currently has the E6 MPV and Atto 3 electric SUV. 

The Indian Government has rejected BYD’s mega $1 billion investment plan for an electric car manufacturing facility on our shores. The news comes after the Chinese electric carmaker, in conjunction with Megha Engineering and Infrastructures, had submitted a proposal to construct the facility in Hyderabad. 

The Chinese marque reportedly proposed plans to manufacture around 10,000 to 15,000 electric vehicles from its new facility. It would have allowed the EV-centric vehicle maker the chance to make its offerings more affordable unlike the current lineup of high-priced EVs. Despite the economic potential of this investment, BYD was denied likely due to the tensions between India and China, as per online news reports. 

According to the source report, an official from the Department of Commerce, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said ”  "Security concerns with respect to Chinese investments in India were flagged during the deliberations. Existing rules do not allow such investments.”

Considering this development solely in respect to the Indian auto industry, this is definitely a blow for BYD, who does make some sought-after electric cars. The Atto 3 is genuinely impressive with its tech and specifications, while the E6 MPV offers the capability of carrying seven occupants with pure electric propulsion. If BYD locally assembles and manufactures these cars, it would make the brand even more accessible for potential customers. 

BYD also has an ambitious plan for the Indian market, with the next model for our shores being the Seal sedan. The carmaker also has various models offered in the overseas market that have potential in the Indian market, such as the Dolphin hatchback.