Vietnamese automaker Kim Long Motor has officially announced a major collaboration with China’s BYD, marking a significant milestone for the country’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. The BYD and Kim Long Motor partnership aims to establish a $130 million battery manufacturing facility in central Vietnam, strengthening local EV infrastructure and production capabilities.
Strategic Collaboration
Under this partnership, Kim Long Motor will finance and oversee the construction of the facility, while BYD—the world’s second-largest battery manufacturer—will provide full technical and technological support. This strategic division ensures that the plant benefits from both local investment and international expertise, making it a robust venture for Vietnam’s rapidly expanding EV market.
Plant Capacity and Project Scope
The new battery plant will be built on a 4.4-hectare site and will initially produce 3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries per year. The focus will be on commercial electric vehicles, including buses, trucks, and minibuses. Kim Long Motor expects operations to begin soon, although a specific commissioning timeline has not been disclosed.
Second Phase Expansion
The BYD and Kim Long Motor partnership also includes plans for a second phase of expansion. The facility will grow to 10 hectares, doubling production capacity to 6 GWh annually. This phase will extend the plant’s portfolio to include batteries for electric passenger vehicles, signaling Kim Long Motor’s ambitions beyond the commercial segment and into the broader EV market.
Supporting Vietnam’s Growing EV Market
Vietnam’s EV market is witnessing rapid growth, currently led by domestic automaker VinFast. With VinFast expanding into commercial electric vehicles such as the EC Van, demand for high-quality batteries is on the rise. The BYD and Kim Long Motor partnership positions Kim Long Motor to capitalize on this trend while boosting the country’s local battery production capabilities.
Local Impact and Future Outlook
The new plant is a cornerstone of Kim Long Motor’s goal to achieve over 80% localization by mid-2026. By combining local manufacturing with BYD’s global expertise, the venture is expected to contribute significantly to Vietnam’s EV ecosystem, providing high-quality batteries for both commercial and passenger electric vehicles.
The BYD and Kim Long Motor partnership exemplifies how international collaboration can accelerate EV adoption and industrial growth, establishing Vietnam as a growing hub for sustainable mobility in Southeast Asia.
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