BYD, the global electric vehicle (EV) leader from China, has announced plans to transform a defunct Ford plant in Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil, into a modern EV manufacturing hub. This project is set to bring innovation and significantly advance Brazil’s electromobility sector, creating 5,000 jobs in the process. The Ford facility, which closed in January 2021, led to the loss of 4,000 jobs, but BYD’s revitalization project will breathe new life into the area.
Three Factories to Support Brazil’s Growing EV Market
The site will host three new factories. One will focus on manufacturing chassis for electric buses and trucks, while the second facility will be dedicated to producing electric and hybrid vehicles. The third plant will process EV components for export. BYD is investing approximately BRL 3 billion (USD 580 million) in the project, supported by tax incentives from the Bahia state government over the next decade.
Production Capacity and Timelines
BYD expects production to begin by the end of 2024, with an initial target of 150,000 vehicles per year. The new facilities in Bahia will complement BYD’s existing operations in Brazil, which include an electric bus chassis plant in Campinas, São Paulo, and a lithium iron phosphate battery assembly facility in Manaus, Amazonas.
São Paulo’s Transition to Electric Buses
BYD is already playing a critical role in São Paulo’s transition from diesel buses to electric buses (e-buses). In late 2022, the company announced it would deliver 100 e-bus chassis in early 2023. São Paulo, which has banned the procurement of new diesel buses, expects to have 2,600 e-buses in operation by the end of 2024. This aligns with BYD’s broader strategy to lead Brazil’s push for electromobility.
BYD’s Impact on South America
In addition to its operations in Brazil, BYD plans to expand further in South America, with a new battery materials plant in Chile under consideration. This strategic expansion into the region highlights BYD’s role as a driving force in the global shift toward electric transportation.
A Strategic Move for Sustainability
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, emphasized that the new factories in Bahia will set the standard for innovation in Brazil’s EV market. “These factories will introduce the highest standards in technology, driving the acceleration of electromobility in Brazil,” said Li. “This is a key move to combat climate change and improve quality of life for people across the country.”
BYD’s investment in Brazil marks a significant milestone for the country’s electric vehicle market. By revamping the former Ford plant in Bahia, BYD is helping Brazil transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options while also creating thousands of new jobs. As the global push toward electric vehicles accelerates, BYD is positioning itself as a leader in South America’s electromobility revolution.
