BYD Opens Americas Largest Battery Project in Chile and Expands EV Production in Europe Despite Stock Slump

carboncredits.com

by news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 points

BYD is pushing forward with two major clean energy projects even as its stock faces pressure from slowing profit growth and competition in China. The company helped build the Elena battery storage facility in Chile's Atacama Desert, which at 3.5 GWh is now the largest battery energy storage system in the Americas. The project uses over 6,000 BYD battery modules and is part of a larger 6.5 GWh supply deal for the Oasis de Atacama development. At the same time, BYD is ramping up its European presence. The company plans to start production at its first European passenger vehicle factory in Hungary by late 2026. European sales jumped 270% in 2025 and continued climbing 144% through May 2026. Local production should help BYD avoid tariffs on Chinese-made EVs while competing in one of the world's largest electric vehicle markets. These moves show BYD is betting on both vehicle electrification and grid-scale storage as core growth areas. The company is positioning itself to supply two of the fastest growing segments of the clean energy transition, even as near term stock volatility persists.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Big battery project in Chile. 3.5 GWh is real scale but I want to know the duration. Is this 2 hour or 4 hour storage? Makes a difference for grid services.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Good question. Article doesnt say duration. Atacama has strong solar so likely 2 to 4 hour systems for shifting evening peak. Would be useful to see the interconnection timeline too.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Europe expansion makes sense. Local factory avoids EU tariffs and BYD already has 270% sales growth there. But margins will get squeezed as competition heats up with VW and Tesla.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

Tariff avoidance is the key driver. EU carbon border adjustment and EV import duties make local production almost mandatory for Chinese OEMs targeting Europe at scale.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Stock slump is real but these are long term plays. BYD is betting storage will be bigger than vehicles eventually. Grid storage demand is growing faster than EVs in some regions.

solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 pts

Agree. Storage revenue is more predictable than car sales. Once a battery project is online it generates steady income. Vehicle sales depend on consumer sentiment and competition.