BYD 2025 guide—History, tech,brands, and top models

We dive into BYD's history, its sub-brands like Denza, FengChengBao, and Yangwang, and its global impact, and its technologies for first-time EV buyers.

BYD's Yangwang U9, one of the fastest current production EVs in the world

BYD's origins to its domination

Founded in 1995 in Shenzhen, China, BYD began as a rechargeable battery maker before entering the automotive industry in 2003. Its vertical integration (controlling batteries, motors, and electronics) has set it apart in the EV market over the years. The pivotal moment came in 2008 when a Billionaire investor, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, invested in the brand, which fueled R&D for New Energy Vehicles (NEV).

It produced pure gasoline vehicles until 2022, when it solely focused on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). 

In August 2023, BYD entered an exclusive distribution partnership with AC Mobility, an Ayala Group subsidiary with the focus on expanding passenger EVs, building charging infrastructure, and developing digital platforms.

On November 18, 2024, it became the first automaker to produce 10 million NEVs, and by April 2025, it had cumulatively sold 11.9 million NEVs. 

In 2025, it is now China's leading automaker and has reached the 91st place on the 2025 Fortune Global 500. 

BYD and its sub-brands

BYD's brand family spans budget-friendly family EVs to ultra-luxury performance vehicles. The core BYD brand delivers accessible electric vehicles and hybrids, while the sub-brands target premium and niche markets. However, only the core BYD models are available internationally. The Yangwang, Denza and Fangchengbao brands are only available in China.

BYD Tang DM-i in Silver Sand Black

1. BYD Core Brand - The heart of BYD electric vehicles, known for affordability and reliability. Models include the Atto, Seal, Dolphin, and Sealion.

Denza D9 EV

2. Denza - Once a BYD-Mercedes joint venture, now fully BYD-owned, it offers luxury at competitive prices. Models include the D9 MPV, which focuses and excels in family comfort.

Fangchengbao Bao 5

3. Fangchengbao - Off-road designed EVs that are designed to deliver rugged hybrid power for tough terrain.

4. Yangwang - BYD's premium brand that showcases innovation, such as the U8 SUV that can perform '360-degree tank turns' in place and cross bodies of water for 30 minutes.

While the U9-line of supercoupe is a pure electric monster with four motors producing up to 1,300 horsepower. It can rocket from 0-100 km/h in 2.36 seconds and has a top speed of 308 mp/h or 496km/h. It currently holds the title for the world's fastest production Electric Vehicle.

BYD's Technologies and innovations

The company's in-house innovations prioritize safety, efficiency, and performance. Below are key BYD marketing terms and technologies explained:

1. Blade Battery - Being originally a battery company, BYD's Blade battery is made of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery shaped like blades for optimum packing. It is safe (passes puncture tests without combustion), eco-friendly (no heavy metals), and durable (up to 10,000 cycles), and can perform in -40°F to 140°F.
2. e-Platform 3.0 - BYD's chassis-battery integration for improved handling, reduced weight, and quicker acceleration (0-60 mph under 4 seconds in many models).
3. DM (Dual Mode) Hybrid System - BYD's PHEV technology that seamlessly integrates electric and gas transitions. 

• DM-i (Intelligent) - Emphasizes electric drive with a gas engine for back-up, which offers up to 1,090 km combined range - ideal for long-range hybrids.
• DM-p (Performance) -Dual-motor set-up for sportier accelerations.
• DM-o (Off-Road) - Rugged hybrid system for Fangchengbao's off-road vehicles.

These technologies have supposedly made BYD Hybrids more efficient than their competitors, which supposedly simplifies the shift to electric driving.

Current BYD models in the Philippines (as of September 2025)

Seagull BEV - starts at PHP 898,000

Dolphin BEV - starts at PHP 1,398,000

Seal BEV - starts at PHP 1,998,000

Seal 5 DM-i PHEV - starts at  PHP 948,000

Han BEV - starts at PHP 3,113,000

Atto 3 BEV - starts at PHP 1,598,000

Sealion 5 DM-i starts at PHP 1,198,000

Sealion 6 DM-i PHEV - starts at PHP 1,548,000

Tang BEV - starts at PHP 3,321,000

Tang DM-i PHEV - starts at PHP 2,098,000

eMax 7 BEV - starts at PHP 1,748,000

Shark 6 DMO  PHEV - starts at PHP 2,098,000

Unfortunately, the Denza, Fangchengbao, and Yangwang models are only available in China as of September 2025.

All BYD models are now available for purchase through authorized dealers nationwide.  

What do you guys think?

Source: BYD