China’s BYD, world’s biggest EV-maker, has three Southeast Asian countries vying for plant

The Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia are competing to host an electric-vehicle assembly plant for BYD Co, the world’s largest maker of EVs, according to a top Philippine trade and investment official.

The Chinese auto giant is in an “advanced stage of discussions” with the Philippines, the Southeast Asian nation’s Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said in an interview on Wednesday. BYD representatives scoured the Philippines for possible factory sites during a visit late last year and the company may decide on the site during the second quarter, said Rodolfo, who also heads the Board of Investments.

BYD, which is already set to build its first EV production facility in Southeast Asia in Thailand, is still exploring whether the new factory will be a full-blown assembly plant or a final-assembly facility with car parts shipped in from overseas, said Lanie Dormiendo, director for the Philippines’ International Investments Promotion Service.

A spokesperson for Shenzhen-based BYD said the company doesn’t have “any relevant information to disclose”.

Talks between BYD and Indonesia over a potential investment in an EV factory in the country are ongoing, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be named as the discussions are private. The Indonesian government is offering a slew of tax holidays, incentives and access to battery raw materials to convince the carmaker to set up there rather than expanding in a neighbouring country like Thailand, the person said.

BYD didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Indonesia.