Chinese authorities delay approval for BYD’s pending EV plant in Mexico amid fears of the technology leaking into the US
Booming global EV automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD) has hit a snag with the Chinese government, which has delayed the green light to build a new plant in Mexico amid fears that proprietary technology in the southern part of North America could more easily make its way into the United States
BYD is no stranger to Electrek’s daily EV news beat. The Chinese auto conglomerate continues to prove that it is a global force to be reckoned with, delivering some of the most advanced EV technology within a growing lineup of models across multiple marques.
We’ve already seen BYD expand well outside of its native China into new markets in Asia, Europe, and South America. While we have had opportunities to test drive BYD models in the US, plans to enter its market have been speculation. That prospect appears to be a longshot given the current political climate under the Trump administration and a looming trade war, not only against China but to its neighbors in Mexico and Canada.
Before the current hostile trade environment amongst these global superpowers, BYD had made significant strides in its international production strategy, including new facilities in Brazil, Hungary, and Indonesia. Since 2023, BYD has also been working on erecting a new facility in Mexico and has already delivered some models to the nation, including the Yuan Plus, seen above and below.
According to a new report, however, BYD’s progress in Mexico has been halted by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The ministry is weary of approving said plant in fears that the automaker’s technology could more easily make its way into the R&D centers of EV automakers in the US.
BYD’s Mexico plant on hold as Chinese Ministry weighs risk
Per The Financial Times, China’s Ministry of Commerce has delayed its approval of BYD’s EV manufacturing plant in Mexico, a vital green light required by domestic automakers to produce EVs overseas. A source in the report cited Mexico’s proximity to the United States as the most significant concern for the delay.
Those respective authorities in China fear that BYD’s advanced (and in many cases, leading) technology could more easily end up in the possession of US competitors through Mexico, as the US neighbors to the south would gain unrestricted access to the Chinese automaker’s technology and production practices. Those powers went as far as to suggest that Mexico could even assist the US in gaining access to BYD’s technology.
That level of paranoia is justified and accurately represents the current trade climate and market competition among global trader partners. There is also growing sentiment of animosity toward the US following proposed tariffs on imports from other countries, like China’s hub of Beijing and even Mexico.
Despite China’s fears, Mexico has taken a stand against both Trump (while simultaneously trying its best to maintain a productive relationship with the US) and China, placing its own tariffs on Chinese textiles. Per a source close to the matter:
Mexico’s new government has taken a hostile attitude towards Chinese companies, making the situation even more challenging for BYD.
Trump has accused Mexico of being a “backdoor” for products produced in China to more easily make their way north to US consumers thanks to NAFTA, which is likely another reason for caution among the Chinese Ministry officials.
BYD is one of several Chinese EV automakers attempting to set up shop in Mexico to gain at least some form of presence in North America. In the past year, we’ve seen Hozon Auto sub-brand Neta and ZEEKR sign multiple regional partnerships to prepare for market entry.
However, those plans, including those of BYD, could be on hold for the foreseeable future as the Chinese government weighs the risk and reward of enabling the technology of those companies to be more susceptible to benchmarking tactics from US competitors.
In BYD’s case, it has not entirely ruled out a plant in Mexico. Still, those plans are certainly in limbo, especially since the Chinese automaker lacks a necessary supply chain in the region and would need to import parts from China, which would certainly face higher tariffs. Per BYD executive vice president Stella Li:
Every day is different news, so we just have to do our job. More study has to be done on how we can satisfy and improve to deliver the best result to everybody.
This is a continuing narrative we will keep an eye on.
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The US battery storage market set another record in 2024, installing 12.3 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity across all sectors, according to a new report from the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Wood Mackenzie.
In total, 12,314 megawatts (MW) and 37,143 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage were added, marking a jump of 33% and 34%, respectively, compared to 2023.
Grid-scale storage breaks records, despite some delays
While the final quarter of 2024 saw a 20% dip in grid-scale battery storage compared to Q4 2023, this decline was mainly due to the delayed completion of 2 GW worth of projects, now pushed into 2025.
Texas and California continue to dominate the grid-scale market, making up 61% of total capacity added in Q4. The remaining installations are spread across 13 other states, showing energy storage is expanding beyond traditional leaders. In 2025, grid-scale storage installations are expected to grow further, reaching around 13.3 GW.
ACP VP of Energy Storage Noah Roberts highlighted the growth, noting, “Energy storage is solidifying its place as a leading solution for strengthening American energy security and grid reliability in a time of historic rising demand for electricity.” Roberts emphasized storage’s key role in balancing renewable energy and improving the efficiency of traditional power plants.
Kelsey Hallahan, senior director of market intelligence at ACP, noted that the market is diversifying geographically, with significant additions coming from New Mexico, Oregon, and Arizona, which accounted for 30% of the new capacity in Q4 2024. She also predicted continued rapid growth, saying the industry is on track to surpass 100 GW of grid-scale storage by 2030.
Residential battery storage hits new highs
Residential battery storage saw its strongest year ever, installing over 1,250 MW in 2024, a 57% increase from the previous year. The last quarter alone saw a record-breaking 380 MW added, a 6% bump compared to Q3.
The community-scale, commercial, and industrial (CCI) market also had a strong year, growing 22% year-over-year with 145 MW installed. California, Massachusetts, and New York together accounted for 88% of this market segment.
Looking ahead to 2025
The forecast for 2025 remains bullish, with expectations of 15 GW in total new storage installations – up 25% compared to 2024. However, Wood Mackenzie research analyst Allison Feeney warned that policy uncertainties could slow growth temporarily before it picks back up toward the end of the decade. Between 2025 and 2029, total installations could reach as much as 81 GW.
Wood Mackenzie’s global head of storage, Allison Weis, cautioned that uncertainties around US tax incentives and tariffs could significantly impact the storage industry:
The combination of new tariffs on China and other countries with continued 45x and domestic content bonus adder incentives would make US-based systems more competitively priced. However, many domestic providers are not set up to meet quick demand. If higher pricing is combined with ITC tax incentives phasing out beginning in 2028, it could lower our five-year deployment outlook by as much as 19%.
Read more: Chick-fil-A is piloting solar + storage microgrids in California
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The Seagull is BYD’s cheapest EV, starting at under $10,000 in China. Later this year, it will launch in Europe as the Dolphin Surf with added safety tech and more. BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, said it will be “the best value” when it arrives.
BYD’s cheapest EV will arrive in Europe this year
After launching the Seagull in 2023, the small electric hatch quickly became one of China’s best-selling EVs with a low price, modern tech, and BYD’s advanced batteries.
In November, it topped Tesla’s Model Y as the top-selling vehicle in China, EV or gas-powered. Later this year, the Seagull will arrive in Europe as the BYD Dolphin Surf with more advanced safety tech and other features.
Although it won’t start at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan), as in China, the Dolphin Surf will still be among the most affordable electric cars in the UK and Europe. Li said (via Autocar) that the Seagull (Dolphin Surf) may “not be the cheapest,” but it will be “the best value.”
It’s expected to start at under £20,000 ($26,000), which would undercut rival EVs like the Citroen e-C3 (£21,990). However, it’s not expected to beat others like the Dacia Spring, starting at £14,995 ($19,500).
The Seagull is available in three trims in China: Active, Free, and Flying, starting at 69,800 yuan ($9,700). Two BYD battery packs, 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh, provide 305 km (190 miles) and 405 km (252 miles) CLTC range, respectively.
| BYD Seagull trim | Starting Price | Range (CLTC) |
| Active | $9,700 (69,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Free | $10,500 (75,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Flying | $12,000 (85,800 yuan) |
252 mi (405 km) |
The interior is relatively simple, with a 10.1″ rotating center infotainment and 5″ driver display screens. But with its DiLink intelligent network connection, the smart cockpit features an Android-based system with navigation support, video and other media capabilities, and more.
BYD’s low-cost EV has earned the nickname “Mini Lamborghini” in China because former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led the Seagull’s design.
At just 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, and 1,540 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm, BYD’s Seagull is smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 (4,264 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, 1,568 mm tall).
Earlier this year, BYD launched 21 of its top-selling vehicles, including the Seagull, with its “Gods Eye” smart driving system, at no extra charge.
BYD has already launched the Seagull EV in several other overseas markets, calling it the Dolphin Mini. It’s been on sale in Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, Chile, and the Philippines since last year.
Will BYD’s cheapest EV win over buyers in Europe like it has in other markets? First, it will launch the highly anticipated Sealion 7 midsize electric SUV. According to S&P Global Mobility, BYD’s sales are expected to double from 83,000 last year to 186,000 in 2025. By 2029, that number could reach just under 400,000. The report claims that “the Seagull’s pricing strategy ensures competitiveness in the EU even with tariffs.”
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South Korea just got its largest outdoor EV fast-charging hub, and it’s at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang. The new hub, built by charging network Water, features 46 fast chargers capable of juicing up everything from electric cars to buses and trucks.
KINTEX hosts around 5.8 million visitors a year, so a major charging hub like this makes a lot of sense. Water installed eight 200 kW and 38 100 kW EV chargers. The station is split across two sections of an outdoor parking lot near Exhibition Center 2.
Drivers can easily access the chargers from Ilsan Lake Park, and there are no height restrictions, meaning electric buses and trucks won’t have to struggle to find a compatible spot. The hub is also topped with Water’s signature wooden canopy, which not only makes it easier to spot but also lowers the construction carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete structures.
Dongyoon Lee, Water’s director of business development, says the 46 chargers eliminate the hassle of hunting for multiple stations and provide a one-stop fast-charging experience. Even during peak hours, wait times should be minimal.
KINTEX has nearly 7,000 parking spaces, and South Korean regulations require that at least 5% of spaces at large public venues be designated for EV charging. This new hub goes above and beyond that requirement, which is especially needed as KINTEX expands and some parking areas close.
The project is part of a broader push to improve Goyang’s green infrastructure. Water was chosen last April to install 107 chargers across 14 locations in the city, and the entire network is expected to be up and running by the end of the month.
Daewon Yu, managing partner at Water, calls KINTEX a prime location for charging infrastructure and notes that “the hub will also support green mobility initiatives in Goyang by serving EV owners, taxis, buses, and other commercial vehicles.”
Water is the EV charging network brand of Brite Energy Partners, a South Korean renewable energy infrastructure company backed by BlackRock.
Read more: Researchers achieve super-safe, ultrafast Li-ion battery charging
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