Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 26, On Monday, August 25, 2025, BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, exported its first batch of 959 electric vehicles from its factory in Rayong Province, Thailand. This milestone supports Thailand’s strategy to establish itself as a key EV production hub for left-hand drive vehicles. The shipment, comprising Dolphin left-hand drive models, is destined for European markets, including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The maiden voyage of BYD Zhengzhou from Thailand to Europe began in Chon Buri Province, Thailand, on August 25.

The export operation utilized BYD’s own vessel, the BYD Zhengzhou, which departed from Chon Buri Province, marking its inaugural voyage from Thailand to Europe. This enhances BYD’s global supply chain and maritime logistics capabilities. Phonnathorn Vongprom, director of the Board of Investment’s 4th Regional Investment and Economic Center, stated at the departure ceremony: “This is not only BYD’s achievement but also Thailand’s pride. The Thai government will continue to promote and support such investments to strengthen the domestic value chain, enhance technological capabilities, and solidify Thailand’s position in the global EV industry.”

Yuphin Boonsirichan, chairman of the Automotive Industry Club at the Federation of Thai Industries, noted: “The export to the European market is another breakthrough, which demonstrates the global competitiveness of ‘Made in Thailand’ and contributes to green mobility, industry upgrading, and carbon reduction goals.” The shipment underscores Thailand’s growing role in the global new energy vehicle (NEV) supply chain.

Thailand, the largest automotive hub in Southeast Asia and the 10th largest globally, has seen rising EV production and sales, driven by increasing demand for low-emission vehicles and government initiatives to boost domestic output. The Thai government aims for EVs to account for 30% of total vehicle production by 2030. A 2023 report from Tractus indicated that Thailand’s EV component exports reached $562 billion, positioning the country as a major supplier of EV electronic components to markets like Japan and the United States.

The BYD Thailand plant, spanning 96 hectares, has an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles and is the company’s first overseas passenger vehicle production base. In July, the facility marked the delivery of its 90,000th NEV. Ke Yubin, general manager of BYD Auto (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated: “The export to the European market is another breakthrough, which demonstrates the global competitiveness of ‘Made in Thailand’ and contributes to green mobility, industry upgrading, and carbon reduction goals. It also underscores Thailand’s vital role in the global NEV supply chain.”

The plant integrates local supply chains, supporting both domestic demand and exports while reinforcing Thailand’s position as a strategic hub in the global EV industry.