In a shocking statement that is already sending shockwaves through the global auto market, BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu boldly claimed that the company’s new 2025 hybrid engine technology “will destroy the entire electric vehicle industry as we know it.”
During a high-profile product launch broadcast live from BYD headquarters in Shenzhen, Wang didn’t hold back. “Pure electric vehicles are ballast,” he told an astonished audience. “This new hybrid drive will make pure battery-powered cars obsolete overnight.”
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about electric vehicle infrastructure issues, battery supply bottlenecks, and stagnating demand for all-electric vehicles. According to BYD insiders, the new hybrid engine offers:
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Over 1,200 km (745 miles) range on one tank of fuel and charge
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Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds
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30% lower production costs compared to premium electric vehicles
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Ultra-fast refueling and charging combination system
Industry analysts are already talking about a “Tesla killer” and some speculate that this could trigger a massive shift away from pure electric vehicles and a return to the dominance of hybrid vehicles.
Elon Musk answers
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, never one to be silent, quickly countered on X (formerly Twitter) with the post: “Good luck with your Frankenstein cars. Purely electric is the future. Hybrids are just a temporary solution for the scared established automakers.”
However, BYD’s market surge suggests that consumers may be ready for something new. The company’s shares rose 18% overnight, while shares of Tesla, Nio, and Rivian all saw sharp declines.
A death blow to the dreams of electric vehicles?
While electric car purists scoff at the prospect of a hybrid comeback, initial test results have reportedly exceeded expectations. Industry insiders indicate that several major European and Japanese automakers are already negotiating licensing agreements for BYD’s new engine technology.
If Wang’s prediction is correct, the entire electric vehicle landscape could be on the verge of collapse.
The future of the car? Maybe it will have a tank after all.
