2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2026-01-09 14:52Core Insights - BYD has surpassed Tesla in global electric vehicle sales for the first time, achieving a total of 2.2567 million pure electric vehicles sold in 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 27.86% [2] - The foundation of BYD's success lies in the development of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which were initially considered unsuitable for electric vehicles due to their lower energy density [2][3] - The strategic decision to focus on LFP batteries was driven by safety concerns and the availability of raw materials in China, as opposed to the reliance on cobalt and nickel used in ternary batteries [3][4] Development Timeline - BYD began exploring LFP technology in 2002, with the first LFP battery used in a plug-in hybrid model, the F3DM, launched in 2008 [4] - The company faced challenges between 2017 and 2019 when the electric vehicle market cooled, leading to a temporary shift in focus towards ternary batteries due to their higher energy density [5][6] - In 2019, BYD made a pivotal decision to refocus on LFP technology, leading to the development of the "blade battery" which improved space utilization and safety [6][7] Technological Innovations - The blade battery design allowed for a higher space utilization rate of over 60%, enabling a range of 600 kilometers, which was a significant improvement over previous designs [6][18] - The manufacturing process for the blade battery involved overcoming significant engineering challenges, including precision in stacking and cutting the battery cells [20][21] - BYD's commitment to LFP technology has resulted in a robust R&D team of approximately 10,000 members, emphasizing the company's dedication to innovation in battery technology [21] Market Position and Future Outlook - BYD's sales began to recover in the latter half of 2020, with total electric vehicle sales reaching 190,000 units that year, and over 600,000 units sold in 2021 [7] - The company has established a competitive edge through vertical integration of its supply chain, which became particularly advantageous during global shortages of chips and batteries [7][8] - Looking ahead, BYD plans to continue investing in LFP technology while also addressing challenges such as charging speed and safety standards in response to new regulations [24][25]