Chinese automaker BYD registered about 12,000 vehicles in Argentina during its first year in the country and became the leader in fully electric cars, its local head Christian Kimelman said. The company is considering imports from Brazil but has made no decision on local assembly.
Kimelman discussed the brand’s first-year results at the Summit de Movilidad, organised by La Nación. He said BYD had spent several years studying the Argentine market before deciding to establish its own local subsidiary. Argentina is one of about 40 countries where the company operates directly, without an independent importer.
The executive said BYD had registered 12,000 vehicles in the country. The company sells only electrified vehicles. More than 90% of each car is developed by BYD itself, Kimelman said, and all its vehicles use the company’s Blade battery.
Kimelman said interest in electric vehicles was growing. He cited taxi and private-hire drivers switching from petrol or gas-powered cars to electric models. The idea that an electric car must be charged constantly is a misconception, he said. Some drivers may need to charge only about once a week.
BYD plans to expand its range using vehicles supplied from Brazil. Kimelman said local assembly could be considered in the future, but there are no concrete plans. Any decision would depend on demand in Brazil and the economics of production in Argentina.
The company also hopes to introduce a new fast-charging system in Argentina. Kimelman said it can replenish a large share of a battery in less than nine minutes and is already available in some markets. He did not give a timeline for its local launch.