Rumours, half-truths, even outright lies are rife in social media these days, because people love controversies, and that drives views and engagement. And the main problem is trying to distinguish between genuine and fake news, at least until the relevant party clears the air. Such as allegations that BYD will be making motorcycles. So no, BYD is not making motorcycles.
Rumours began circulating of a “BYD electric motorcycle” when an unofficial video was published in social media. The video also highlighted the cost savings of owning a BYD motorcycle.
That prompted the company to reply formally, with the General Manager of the Brand Public Relations Department of BYD Group, Li Yunfei, stating that the bike does not exist, nor being developed. He also stated unequivocally that any “news” of BYD developing any form of two-wheeled vehicle as “all false.”
It is not to say that BYD does not have the experience with electric motorcycles.
BYD signed an agreement with Singaporean brand Scorpio Electric back in July 2023 to assemble the former’s electric scooter called the X1 for the Chinese market. However, the X1 does not use BYD’s LFP battery, and utilises Samsung’s powerpack, instead.
Going further back to 2022, BYD developed and supplied LFP batteries to the Spanish motorcycle maker Nerva for their Nerva Exe E-Scooter (main picture).
Yes, that is correct: BYD also supplies batteries to several automakers, as well as other industries, and are researching and developing safer batteries for motorcycles.
BYD is now one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, and especially in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Their meteoric rise has caught out several manufacturers, including Tesla who saw their sales slide worldwide, causing the American company to conduct a massive layoff recently. It is perhaps not surprising to see some folks who get over-excited at the prospect of BYD making motorcycles.
Motorcycle manufacturers can now breathe a little easier. For now.
