BYD sends nearly 5,000 EVs and hybrids to Australia aboard first dedicated vessel voyage

BYD has dispatched almost 5,000 new energy vehicles to Australia aboard the BYD Zhengzhou, marking the first Australian voyage by one of the company’s purpose-built car carrier ships.

The BYD Zhengzhou is one of eight BYD-owned roll-on roll-off (RORO) vehicle carriers and is transporting vehicles to ports along Australia’s east coast. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne on June 2 before continuing to Sydney and Brisbane.

BYD says the additional vehicles are being shipped to help meet strong demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The company says the shipment forms part of its plan to deliver 30,000 vehicles to Australian customers over the coming months.

Among the cargo are BYD’s Sealion 7 electric SUV and Atto 2 compact electric SUV, which together account for more than 2,000 of the 4,810 vehicles onboard.

The shipment also includes DENZA B5 off-roaders and D9 people movers.

BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins says the voyage demonstrates the company’s ability to rapidly scale supply.

“BYD is demonstrating that it has the ability to respond quickly to customer needs, and act fast,” Collins says.

“BYD’s vertically integrated system allows it to scale production as required, with a fleet of BYD-owned vessels ready to take cars wherever they need to go almost anywhere in the world.”

“BYD is truly unique in this way and Australian customers are benefitting directly as demand increases for innovative new energy vehicles that are affordable and cost-effective to run.”

The vessel is travelling around 9,756km from Shanghai to Australia.

Captain Zhao Taotao says additional BYD voyages to Australia are planned in coming months.

“We will not only ensure a stable and energy-efficient voyage but also safeguard the vehicles throughout the journey and deliver them to Australia in perfect condition,” Zhao says.