BYD reports surge in EV sales after weekend rush

BYD New Zealand says it recorded a surge in electric vehicle demand over the weekend, selling 80 vehicles in a single day as rising fuel prices and an expanding model line-up drive interest in EVs.

The company says the sales were achieved on Saturday, with vehicles sold at a rate equivalent to one vehicle every six minutes during trading hours.

BYD New Zealand general manager Warren Willmot says the increase in demand reflects a shift in consumer thinking as fuel prices rise.

“Kiwis are clearly voting with their wallets,” Willmot says.

“Higher petrol prices are pushing people to reconsider the cost of driving, and BYD’s five new models — ATTO 1, ATTO 2, Sealion 5, Sealion 8, and the Cab Chassis Shark — are giving customers more choice, more value, and more reasons to go electric.”

The surge comes as BYD was also named the 2026 People’s Choice winner for car ownership by Consumer NZ.

The People’s Choice accreditation recognises brands that deliver high levels of customer satisfaction, reliability and consumer trust, based on nationwide research into ownership experiences.

BYD says the award reflects positive customer feedback and growing brand loyalty among New Zealand buyers.

Following the weekend sales, the company says all vehicles currently in the country or arriving in March have been allocated to its dealer network.

Vehicles remain available for delivery, although some colours and specifications are already sold out for the next one to two months.

“We expected strong interest, but this level of demand has exceeded even our most optimistic forecasts,” Willmot says.

“If you’re thinking about going electric and saving on fuel, now really is the time — stock is still available, but it’s moving quickly.”

BYD says it plans to increase the size of its next shipment, scheduled to arrive in June, to meet demand.

The brand is also planning to expand its local range further with three additional models expected in coming months, including the Shark 6 hybrid ute, the Seal 06 station wagon and the ATTO 2 Super Hybrid.