Core Insights - The election of BYD's executive vice president Lian Yubo and CATL's chief scientist Wu Kai as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time that leaders from the new energy vehicle industry have been recognized in this capacity, breaking the norm of previous academicians coming from universities and research institutions [1][4] Group 1: Key Figures and Achievements - Wu Kai is recognized for his foundational work on CATL's key products, such as the Kirin battery and the Shenzhou supercharging battery, which have set the technical limits for global power batteries in terms of energy density and charging speed [1] - Lian Yubo's career trajectory showcases a cross-disciplinary approach, having transitioned from aircraft manufacturing to leading the development of electric platforms at BYD, making him a pivotal figure in the company's technological output [1][3] Group 2: Technological Advancements - Under Lian Yubo's leadership, BYD launched the world's first dual-mode electric vehicle, the F3DM, which achieved a significant milestone in plug-in hybrid technology, offering a pure electric range of 100 kilometers, surpassing competitors like GM and Toyota [2][3] - The continuous iteration of BYD's DM technology has established it as a key identifier for the company, with plug-in hybrid vehicle sales skyrocketing from 48,000 units in 2020 to 1.43 million units in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 30 times [3] Group 3: Industry Impact - The election of these two academicians reflects the comprehensive technological breakthroughs across China's new energy vehicle industry, from core components to vehicle manufacturing, aligning with the global automotive industry's transformation towards carbon neutrality [4]

Core Insights - The article highlights the pivotal role of Lian Yubo, the chief scientist of BYD, in the company's journey to becoming a leader in the electric vehicle industry, alongside founder Wang Chuanfu [2][24] - It emphasizes the innovative strategies and technological advancements that have propelled BYD to the forefront of the global automotive market, particularly in electric vehicles and battery technology [10][21] Group 1: Background and Early Development - Lian Yubo, recognized as a key figure behind Wang Chuanfu, joined BYD in 2003, bringing extensive automotive engineering experience [2][3] - The initial phase of BYD's automotive venture faced skepticism and financial losses, particularly with the acquisition of Qin Chuan Automobile [5][6] - Lian Yubo's commitment to developing a strong in-house research team was crucial, leading to the establishment of the Shanghai BYD R&D center [5][7] Group 2: Breakthroughs in Vehicle Development - BYD's first mass-produced model, the F3, launched in 2005, achieved remarkable sales success, selling over 100,000 units within a year, showcasing its competitive pricing [7][8] - The F3's design was inspired by the Toyota Corolla, but it was produced at half the cost, demonstrating BYD's innovative manufacturing approach [8][9] - Following the F3, BYD continued to release successful models, solidifying its presence in the Chinese automotive market [9] Group 3: Focus on Electric Vehicles - BYD's strategic focus shifted towards electric vehicles, with Wang Chuanfu emphasizing the importance of battery technology as the core of their electric vehicle strategy [10][11] - The establishment of the electric vehicle R&D department in 2004 marked a significant step in BYD's commitment to electric mobility [11][12] - Lian Yubo's team made significant advancements in battery technology, including the development of the IGBT, a critical component for electric vehicles [14] Group 4: Challenges and Resilience - Despite initial successes, BYD faced a decade-long stagnation in sales from 2011 to 2019, attributed to a lack of advanced technology in fuel vehicles and a nascent electric vehicle market [16][18] - During this period, BYD invested heavily in R&D, often exceeding its net profits, demonstrating a commitment to innovation despite financial pressures [18][19] - Lian Yubo's leadership during this challenging time was characterized by a focus on overcoming technical hurdles and maintaining a long-term vision for electric vehicles [18][19] Group 5: Recent Innovations and Market Success - The introduction of the "blade battery" in 2020 marked a significant innovation, enhancing energy density and safety, leading to strong market performance for BYD vehicles [19][21] - The development of the DM technology series has positioned BYD as a leader in hybrid technology, with significant improvements in fuel efficiency and performance [20][21] - BYD's sales skyrocketed from 426,900 units in 2020 to 4.27 million units in 2024, reflecting a tenfold increase in just four years, establishing it among the top five global automakers [21][22] Group 6: Recognition and Future Outlook - Lian Yubo's contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress Award and the title of National Excellent Engineer [22][24] - The article concludes by highlighting the transformation of BYD from a follower to a leader in the automotive industry, driven by innovation and a strong engineering culture [24]