21世纪经济报道·2026-01-13 09:18Core Viewpoint - BYD has surpassed Tesla in pure electric vehicle sales for the first time, achieving a total of 2.2567 million units in 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 27.86% [5] Group 1: Historical Development - The journey of BYD began 23 years ago with a focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which were initially deemed unsuitable for electric vehicles due to low energy density [5][7] - In 2002, BYD's chairman Wang Chuanfu decided to pursue the LFP route, prioritizing safety and resource independence over higher energy density alternatives like nickel-cobalt-aluminum batteries [7][9] - BYD launched its first plug-in hybrid model, the F3DM, in 2008, featuring self-developed LFP batteries, which laid the foundation for subsequent models [8][9] Group 2: Market Challenges and Strategic Decisions - Between 2017 and 2019, the electric vehicle market faced challenges, leading to a temporary shift in focus towards high-energy-density ternary lithium batteries [8][9] - In 2019, during a critical period for the company, BYD made two key strategic decisions: shifting focus from commercial to passenger vehicles and continuing to refine the LFP battery technology despite market pressures [10][11] - The "Qinghai Conference" in 2018 was pivotal in reaffirming the commitment to LFP batteries, focusing on achieving longer ranges [10][19] Group 3: Technological Innovations - The development of the "blade battery" was a significant breakthrough, allowing for improved space utilization and safety, which ultimately enabled LFP batteries to achieve a range of 600 kilometers [10][11][23] - The blade battery's design involved a long, flat structure that increased energy density and safety, overcoming previous limitations of traditional battery shapes [10][24] - BYD's commitment to R&D is evident, with a team of around 10,000 dedicated to battery technology, ensuring a competitive edge in the electric vehicle market [12][27] Group 4: Future Directions - BYD plans to enhance its LFP battery technology further, focusing on safety and charging efficiency, with the introduction of a "megawatt fast-charging battery" expected by 2025 [12][30] - The company aims to maintain its leadership in LFP technology while adapting to new industry standards and safety regulations [30][31] - Future iterations of the blade battery will prioritize faster charging speeds and improved performance in extreme conditions [29][30]