BYD’s First Dedicated NEV Carrier Delivers 1,500 Vehicles to the Philippines

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Last Updated on: 7th August 2025, 04:16 am

BYD newest roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel just delivered 1,500 new energy vehicles to the Philippines.

The BYD Zhengzhou, named after company’s manufacturing hub serving the burgeoning Asia–Pacific market, is number one of a planned eight-ship fleet. The newly christened vessel measures 199.9 meters (652 feet) long, and can transport up to 7,000 NEVs at a time.

The ship runs on a dual-fuel propulsion system that uses liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuel that reduces emissions by over 30%. This innovation aligns with BYD’s long-term mission to “Cool the Earth by 1°C” and supports its rapidly expanding global supply chain, which saw overseas exports surge by 159.5% year over year.

The delivery, received by BYD Cars Philippines on July 25, is the first of many expected to arrive of BYD’s specialized fleet of carriers. This move showcases BYD’s commitment to a vertically integrated, sustainable supply chain — from manufacturing to delivery. The choice of the Philippines as the maiden voyage’s first stop is strategic, reflecting the country’s growing importance as a key market for new energy vehicles in Southeast Asia.

According to records at the Batangas International Container Port, 110 kilometers south of the capital city of Manila, the vehicles were unloaded within 36 hours and the ship then sailed on to its next port in Jakarta, Indonesia. BYD vehicles were also delivered to Singapore, Malaysia, and finally in Thailand. As of this writing the M/V Zhengzhou is on its way back to China.

Interestingly, over half of the ship’s crew are Filipinos. According to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) some 504,057 Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas

BYD’s presence in the Philippines has grown dramatically.

In 2024, the company sold 4,780 NEVs in the country. This success is driven by a product mix that resonates with local demand. Notably, PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) accounted for a significant portion of these sales, with the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i alone selling 2,669 units in just six months, making it the brand’s top-selling model.

The remaining 2,078 units were all-electric BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), with popular models like the Atto 3 leading the segment with a 35% market share. This breakdown highlights a key trend in the country, where PHEVs are serving as a crucial bridge to all-electric mobility.

“This milestone is a testament to the Philippines’ readiness for large-scale EV adoption,” he said. “Being the first stop on this vessel’s global journey highlights our country’s role in BYD’s sustainable growth and our shared vision of clean, future-ready mobility,” Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines, said, emphasizing the local significance of the event.

Palanca also told CleanTechnica that deliveries are expected to increase in frequency towards the end of 2025, and other BYD ships may dock in the Batangas port as vehicle sales are increased steadily. Currently, BYD owns 82% market share of the total NEV market.

“With this dedicated fleet, BYD is finding better ways to deliver clean mobility worldwide. Having the journey in Batangas highlights how advanced logistics and innovation come together to drive our sustainable future,” Adam Hu, Country Head of BYD Philippines, concluded.