Milestone SONG PRO COP30 celebrates sustainable innovation ahead of the UN Climate Summit
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new-energy vehicles, has unveiled a global first in hybrid powertrain technology — a Super Hybrid vehicle capable of running on any ratio of petrol and ethanol. Developed specifically for the Brazilian market, this innovation makes its debut in the limited-edition SONG PRO COP30, which will be donated to the upcoming United Nations Climate Summit (COP30) in Brazil.
A Milestone in Clean Mobility
The announcement came during the inauguration of BYD’s new final-assembly line in Camaçari, Bahia, where the SONG PRO is produced. The event marked a moment of historic significance: the 14 millionth new-energy vehicle to roll off BYD’s global production lines. Attending the ceremony were Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and senior BYD executives, underscoring the company’s deepening commitment to the country’s sustainable future.
“This is not just a technological breakthrough – it is a green and sustainable solution tailor-made for Brazil,” said Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s Founder and CEO. “Two years ago, on a visit to Brazil, I realised the potential of ethanol. We decided to bring our plug-in hybrid technology, but with a flex engine developed by and for this country. The car we are delivering today to President Lula proves that BYD not only invests in Brazil but also co-creates with Brazil unique solutions for the world.”
Engineering Collaboration for a Cleaner Future
At the heart of the SONG PRO COP30 lies BYD’s advanced DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology — the same intelligent hybrid system featured in popular European-market models such as the SEAL U DM-i and SEAL 6 DM-i. It delivers a predominantly electric driving experience, with the combustion engine functioning primarily as a generator to support the battery, even in hybrid mode.
For the Brazilian edition, engineers from China and Brazil worked jointly to adapt the 1.5-litre Super Hybrid engine to run on Brazil’s most widely used renewable fuel — ethanol — as well as petrol, in any combination. This ensures strong performance, exceptional efficiency, and alignment with the country’s unique energy ecosystem.
Expanding Local Production Capacity
BYD’s new Camaçari factory represents the brand’s largest production facility outside Asia and the largest electric vehicle manufacturing site in Latin America. Built in a record 15 months, the plant currently has capacity for 150,000 vehicles annually, with a second phase set to reach 300,000 units. Following a meeting with President Lula, BYD confirmed plans to double that figure to 600,000 vehicles per year, demonstrating the company’s confidence in Brazil’s industrial and economic potential.
The plant already employs over 1,500 workers and serves as a cornerstone of BYD’s strategy of localised production in key global markets. Once complete, the complex will produce BYD’s principal models for both domestic and export markets.
A Commitment to Brazil’s Energy Leadership
“Ethanol is one of Brazil’s greatest strategic advantages in the energy transition,” said Tyler Li, CEO of BYD Brazil. “Incorporating it into our DM-i architecture represents a historic advance: it values the national renewable energy matrix and offers consumers greater efficiency with a lower environmental impact. It’s a crucial step in consolidating Brazil as a global leader in sustainable mobility.”
Echoing that sentiment, Stella Li, BYD’s Global Executive Vice President and CEO for the Americas and Europe, added: “BYD believes in the growth potential of the Brazilian market and remains committed to boosting the economy, creating jobs, and empowering local talent. This factory is 100% Brazilian — created so that Brazilians have access to better, more modern, connected, and sustainable vehicles.”
Building a Sustainable Future
With over 14 million new-energy vehicles produced worldwide and leadership in the Chinese EV market, BYD continues to dominate all stages of the electrification process — from batteries and motors to control systems. In Brazil, its rapid expansion includes a dealer network exceeding 200 outlets, soon to reach 250 across all states and major cities.
The debut of the SONG PRO COP30 is more than a product milestone — it is a symbol of collaboration, innovation, and shared environmental responsibility. As BYD strengthens its roots in Brazil, it not only drives the future of sustainable mobility but also redefines how global manufacturers can align technology with local energy realities.
BYD’s biofuel-compatible Super Hybrid represents the next frontier in electrified mobility — where clean technology and regional ingenuity meet to power a more sustainable world.
