42 used BYD cars for sale

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BYD overview

  

BYD Auto, the makers of BYD cars, is a publicly listed Chinese manufacturing company. BYD Co. Ltd founded the business in 2003. The establishment of BYD Auto came after BYD Co. Ltd acquired Qinchuan Machinery Works a year earlier. Qinchuan had been building cars since the late 1980s.

  

BYD is the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world. Known for its production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In 2022, it produced 1.9 million units, far surpassing the 1.3 million units built by Tesla, its closest rival.

‘BYD’ is the pinyin initialism of the company's Chinese name, Biyadi. ‘Biyadi’ stems from the company’s original trademark, Yadi Electronics. It was previously located on Yadi Road in the Dapeng New District of Shenzen. Shenzen remains the location of its headquartered today. BYD did also backfill these letters as a marketing tactic. They created the slogan ‘Build Your Dreams’ to fit its name.

  

Since its foundation in 2003, BYD Auto has focused on the production of electric vehicles. However, though until 2022, it also produced internal combustion engines, too. It also produces buses, trucks, electric bicycles and forklifts.

  

Though it has not been around for as long as some of its competitors, BYD has built a reputation within the marketplace. In China and further afield BYD have been a manufacturer of reliable and high-quality vehicles. They are equipped with impressive technology and are stylish in design.

  

With no ties to older manufacturers, BYD cars are unique in design – and the same goes for their engines. Its landmark products include the Blade Battery. It can withstand significant overcharging and very high temperatures of up to 300°C. This makes it one of the safest batteries on the market.

  

Another of BYD’s industry-leading innovations is its e-Platform 3.0. This is an EV body design that allows for a car range of up to 622 miles (1,000km).

 

BYD announced its arrival on the European car market in 2020. It first launched in Norway, it brought its products to the UK car market in 2023.

   

Popular BYD models

The Atto 3 is BYD’s most popular – and most sold – car in its range. The family SUV is one of BYD’s youngest models, having only been in production since 2022. With a unique design and an all-electric power train, the Atto 3 utilises BYD’s cutting edge EV technology. It offers a range of up to 260 miles. It produces a good amount of power, too. A single electric motor produces 201bhp, delivering a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds.

  

It reached the European market in October 2022. It launched in the UK in March 2023 in three trim levels: Active, Comfort and Design. Its ultra-modern dashboard is complete with a sleek and rotatable infotainment system. It is set up for smartphone connectivity. The cabin is also airy and spacious. The large boot makes it a practical family car that combines style with efficiency.

  

The BYD Dolphin is another of the manufacturer’s popular models. A year older than the Atto 3, it began production in 2021 and arrived on the UK market in September 2023. While it shares the e-Platform 3.0 technology of the Atto 3, the Dolphin offers a very different experience. While the Atto 3 is a spacious family SUV, the Dolphin is a stylish compact car that’s perfect for urban driving. It’s more affordable too, but it remains plush with helpful and drive-enhancing technology. It also has an impressive range of up to 211 miles, and 201bhp delivers 0-62mph in seven seconds.

  

Manufacturer awards

  

Despite only having been on the UK market for a short time, BYD has racked up a number of awards. This has cemented its reputation as an exciting option for EV buyers.

  

The Chinese manufacturer’s most sold car, the Atto 3, won News UK's Electric Car of the Year award in 2023. The Dolphin won both the Best Small Electric Car and Car of the Year prizes in the 2024 Carbuyer New Car Awards.

 

BYD frequently asked questions