The BYD price you see on Chinese-domestic listing sites is not the price you'll pay to export one. Understand the gap between China MSRP and your landed export cost — and what equivalent models look like in Geely's portfolio.
One of the most common questions we get is some version of: "I saw the BYD Atto 3 listed at $15,000 on a Chinese website — can you ship it at that price?" The short answer is no, and understanding why is important for any serious Chinese EV importer. The price you see on Chinese domestic listing sites is not the price you can actually buy at for export. Here's what's really going on.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price for Chinese buyers inside mainland China. This includes Chinese-domestic spec (CCC certification, Chinese-only infotainment, specific battery and motor configurations sometimes tuned for Chinese market preferences). It also includes substantial Chinese government EV subsidies and local tax structures that don't apply to export.
What Chinese dealers actually pay the manufacturer. This is typically 8-15% below the MSRP for mainstream models. Not accessible to you unless you are a licensed Chinese retail dealer — which almost no export buyer is.
The price for export-spec vehicles prepared for shipment. This is a different product: different homologation (WVTA, GCC, CCC, etc.), different infotainment language packages, different warranty framework, sometimes different battery spec or production line. It's what you'll actually pay.
The gap between "China MSRP" and "Export FOB" is typically 15-35%, with the export price being higher. Reasons:
China domestic MSRP: roughly ¥130,000-¥170,000 depending on trim (approximately $18,000-24,000 USD at typical exchange rates, though exchange rate varies). Export FOB Shanghai: depends on destination homologation and trim; typically runs $21,000-26,000 USD for the main export configurations. We quote on RFQ.
China domestic MSRP: ¥190,000-¥280,000. Export FOB: $27,000-$34,000 range depending on trim. Significantly higher than the base Atto 3.
China domestic: ¥100,000-¥140,000. Export FOB: $14,000-$17,000 range. The most compact entry-level BYD EV export product.
Despite the gap between domestic and export pricing, BYD remains competitive on export for several reasons:
For dealers choosing between BYD and Geely Holding Group (Geely brand + Zeekr) for an import program, a structural comparison:
| Dimension | BYD | Geely Group |
|---|---|---|
| Global brand recognition | Higher (Western media) | Growing (via Volvo/Polestar) |
| Official dealer channel conflict | Higher (strong direct distribution) | Lower in many markets |
| Premium EV portfolio | Denza, Yangwang (narrow) | Zeekr (broader, more accessible) |
| Mid-market EV | Atto 3, Dolphin | Geely EX5, EX2 |
| PHEV / super-hybrid | DM-i platform | EM-i (Starray 2026) — more advanced in thermal eff. |
| Battery chemistry | LFP Blade (proprietary) | LFP short-blade (CATL partnership) |
FOBEV's primary supply relationship is with Geely Group through our Shanghai Fengxian 4S dealer partnership, so that's our home base. We'll quote BYD on request for dealers specifically requesting it, but if you're open to alternatives, Geely and Zeekr often represent equivalent or better product at competitive pricing with lower official-channel friction.
Send us an RFQ with your target vehicle — BYD or otherwise — and we'll return a specific quote.
Chinese domestic MSRPs include Chinese government subsidies, Chinese-domestic-only homologation, and Chinese-language-only software. Export vehicles are a different product — different homologation, different spec, no Chinese subsidies — and consequently priced differently. Typical export premium is 15-35% above domestic MSRP.
Not directly — that pricing is only available to Chinese retail dealers. Export pricing is the relevant benchmark for any overseas buyer. The gap between wholesale dealer price and export price represents the manufacturer's export margin.
Depends on your target market and buyer segment. For markets with strong BYD direct-distribution presence, independent dealers often face channel conflict — Geely or Zeekr may offer lower friction. For markets without strong official presence of either brand, the product-fit question matters more than brand recognition.
Send an RFQ via WhatsApp or email. Our Shanghai export desk will scope your requirements and return a qualified FOB / CIF / DDP quotation — typically within one Shanghai business day.