China Bringing EVs to the Americas 

BYD Dolphin, Brazil's best-selling EV in 2023 with 6,812 units registered (IMAGIN.studio)

Hello Fleet & Mobility Players!

Considering the recent sales success of Chinese automaker BYD over US-based Tesla in the last quarter of 2023, we should keep our eyes out for the list of electric vehicle (EV) offerings expected from Chinese companies in 2024.

In 4Q23, Tesla fell short of the EVs sold by its counterpart across the Pacific. While BYD delivered 526,409 vehicles from October to December last year, Tesla saw 484,507 units sold during the period, Reuters said in a report.

However, note that BYD sold both battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) while Tesla only sold BEVs. Regardless, this signals a demand for lower priced vehicles amid high interest rate economies, at least for now. As for production, BYD has outpaced Tesla in the last two years, but Tesla does have new production plans on the way.

As for the Americas, while there are many interesting EV offerings coming from the US, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and even Vietnam today, the focus of this article is to show you just a few of the compelling models coming to the Americas from the huge market of China.

 Brazil: 2024 BYD Seagull (locally known as the Dolphin Mini) 

(IMAGIN. studio)

This subcompact hatch and BYD global cash cow is expected to be launched in Brazil soon. Slated to be in showrooms in March 2024, the Dolphin Mini will be priced at some BRL$130,000 (USD$26,500), depending on the trim.

Considered the least expensive car on this list, it comes with a 30kWh or 38kWh battery with ranges of 305km and 405km respectively. With 75hp, it has a maximum speed of 130km/h.

It is the descendent of the larger BYD Dolphin (pictured top) which was the best-selling EV in Brazil in 2023 with 6,812 units sold.

Mexico: 2024 Great Wall Motors (GWM) Ora 05

(GWM)

Priced more than the above said Dolphin Mini, this subcompact hatch is listed at some MXN$560,000 (USD$33,200) and actually competes with BYD's larger Dolphin.

The Ora 5, which was launched in 4Q23, puts out 126hp and comes with a 48kWh (374km range) or 63kWh (500km range) battery. It comes with ADAS features as well as seven airbags, traction and stability control, and ABS brakes.

Colombia: 2024 Chery eQ7

(CHERY)

Priced at approximately COP$116 million (slightly under USD$30,000), the eQ7 comes with a 71kWh battery giving the subcompact hatch some 500km of range. Boasting 210hp, it has a maximum speed of 180km/h. The brand is known as Chirey in Mexico and Caoa Chery in Brazil.

United States: 2024 Volvo EX30

(IMAGIN.studio)

Being the smallest Volvo EV offering in the country, the EX30 is listed at some USD$35,000 and should be in showrooms in the summer of 2024.

While the standard single motor version puts our 268hp and has a range of 275 miles (443 km), a twin motor version with an impressive 422hp is also offered at a price of some $46,000. Although Volvo is a Swedish car brand, it is owned by Chinese group Geely.

In 2023, the best-selling EV in the US was BYD rival Tesla with its Model Y.

As you can see, Chinese brands are certainly entering the Americas (more so in Latin America), and this is only a short list of many offerings in the region.

In terms of new production facilities, those to note in the Americas are BYD and GWM in Brazil but don't rule out Tesla with its new Gigafactory on the way in Mexico.