China’s EV Industry Invests More Overseas Than at Home for the First Time
The first BYD Dolphin Mini (Seagull in China or Dolphin Surf in Europe) manufactured in Brazil.
According to reporting by CNBC, for the first time, China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is investing more in overseas factories than in domestic ones, according to a new Rhodium Group report. Most of this spending, about 74% is directed toward battery plants, though investment in assembly plants abroad is also rising.
For example, on July 1, 2025, BYD celebrated a historic milestone at its new factory in Camaçari, Bahia, where the first Brazilian-built BYD Dolphin Mini—already a global hit and World Urban Car of the Year—rolled off the production line. The site will also produce the Song Pro hybrid and King models, underscoring BYD’s commitment to the region.
Other Chinese manufacturers are expanding as well. Great Wall Motor just opened its first Brazilian factory, while battery supplier Envision recently began production in France.
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