its own private maritime shipping network

China's BYD, the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is rapidly expanding its fleet of car-carrying cargo ships to address a shortage of shipping capacity. BYD plans to increase its fleet from eight ships to 18 by 2029, with each carrier capable of transporting approximately 9,200 cars. Owning its own fleet could reduce shipping costs by up to 40% compared to renting carriers, according to industry estimates.

BYD's increased export capacity could intensify competition with automakers like Tesla and traditional U.S. brands, as BYD pushes further into global markets. Analysts suggest that having control over its own distribution network is a strategic move BYD has pursued for a long time. The company has invested $687 million in building its own car carriers, citing a shortage of shipping capacity for exports as the driving force behind this expansion.

The recent surge in car sales by BYD outside China, reaching over 180,700 units in the period from January 2024 to September 2025, doubled its sales from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the strong export capacity, intensified by wars and conflicts in the Red Sea and Hormuz Strait, which have pushed up freight costs and forced ships to take longer, more expensive routes.

With BYD aiming to sell more than 2.5 million cars overseas by next year, owning its fleet provides a cushion against rising shipping bills and greater control over space and routes. The company's fleet primarily operates on liquefied natural gas, as ports tighten green-fuel rules. BYD's expansion into logistics is seen as a natural step given the geopolitical volatility and cost swings, according to industry experts.