How to Check BYD Vehicle History Online

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has rapidly become the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, overtaking Tesla in 2025. With millions of BYD vehicles now on roads globally, understanding how to check their history before purchase is essential for buyers in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

BYD's Global Market Presence

BYD's growth trajectory has been remarkable. In 2024, the company sold 4.27 million new energy vehicles (41% year-over-year growth), expanding to 4.6 million NEVs in 2025. The company's revenue reached 777 billion yuan (~$107 billion USD), cementing its position as a global automotive powerhouse.

2024 Total Sales: 4.27 million new energy vehicles
2025 Total Sales: 4.6 million NEVs
Overseas sales: 417,204 units in 2024 (72% YoY growth), over 1 million in 2025
Revenue: 777 billion yuan (~$107 billion USD)

European Market Performance

BYD has become the fastest-growing EV brand in Europe with a 302.6% year-over-year increase. From January to September 2025, they sold 119,085 units representing 4.4% EV market share. The UK market alone saw a fivefold increase from 8,788 vehicles in 2024 to 51,422 vehicles in 2025.

Currently operates in 29 European markets
Now the 8th largest EV brand in Europe
UK 2025: 51,422 vehicles (up from 8,788 in 2024)
303% year-over-year growth in Europe

US Market Note

BYD has no plans to enter the US passenger vehicle market. Executive VP Stella Li stated: "We're not planning to come to the US... it's very complicated." US presence is limited to commercial vehicles (buses, forklifts) manufactured at the Lancaster, California facility.

BYD Models Available in Western Markets

Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) – Best-seller in Europe

The Atto 3 is BYD's compact C-segment SUV and their best-selling model in Europe. It features a 60.4 kWh Blade Battery with 420 km WLTP range, a 150 kW (204 hp) motor delivering 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with 91% adult protection.

60.4 kWh Blade Battery, 420 km WLTP range
150 kW (204 hp) motor, 0-100 in 7.3 seconds
Euro NCAP: 5 stars (91% adult protection)
European price: From €38,000 / £37,705

Seal – Tesla Model 3 Competitor

The Seal is BYD's midsize sports sedan positioned against the Tesla Model 3. It offers an 82.6 kWh Blade Battery with up to 570 km WLTP range. The AWD version delivers 390kW and achieves 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

82.6 kWh Blade Battery, up to 570 km WLTP range
AWD version: 390kW, 0-100 in 3.8 seconds
Euro NCAP: 5 stars
European price: €42,700–€48,200

Dolphin – Affordable Entry Point

The Dolphin is BYD's compact hatchback offering affordable EV ownership. Available with 44.9 or 60.4 kWh Blade Battery providing up to 427 km range, it also achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with 89% adult protection.

44.9 or 60.4 kWh Blade Battery options
Up to 427 km range
Euro NCAP: 5 stars (89% adult protection)
European price: From €29,318 / £30,205

Dolphin Surf (Seagull) – Budget Option

The Dolphin Surf, based on the Seagull platform, is BYD's entry-level compact EV. Starting at approximately £18,650 in the UK or €22,990 in Europe, it offers around 312 km range from a 45.1 kWh battery. This will be the first model produced at BYD's Hungary plant.

Han – Premium Executive

85.4 kWh Blade Battery, 521 km range
380 kW dual motor AWD, 0-100 in 3.9 seconds
European price: From €72,000

Tang – Full-size 7-seater SUV

86.4 kWh battery, ~400 km range
7-seat configuration
European price: From €72,000

Seal U – Europe's Best-selling PHEV Crossover

Up to 500 km (BEV) or 1,080 km combined (PHEV)
30-80% fast charge in 26 minutes
DM-i PHEV from £33,315

Understanding BYD VIN Structure

BYD vehicles use specific World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes that help identify genuine BYD vehicles. Understanding these codes is crucial when verifying a vehicle's authenticity.

LGX – Primary WMI for BYD Auto Co., Ltd.
LC0 – Also used for certain BYD vehicles
All VINs starting with "L" indicate Chinese manufacture

Example BYD VINs:

LGXCE4CB4S0402905 (Atto 3, 2025 model year)
LGXCE4CB2R2001416 (Atto 3, 2024 model year)
LC0C74C40R0504727 (alternative WMI)

BYD Recalls and Known Issues – Critical for Buyers

Important

Always check recall status before purchasing a used BYD vehicle. Some recalls involve serious safety issues including fire risks and battery problems.

Major China Recalls (2024-2025)

September 2024: Dolphin, Yuan Plus – ~97,000 units – Steering control unit fire risk
October 2025: Tang series – 44,535 units – Motor controller circuit board burnout
October 2025: Yuan Pro EV – 71,248 units – Battery seal water ingress
November 2025: Qin Plus DM-i – 88,981 units – Battery pack consistency issues

Common Owner-Reported Issues

Screen freezes and software malfunctions
12V auxiliary battery draining frequently
"Check OBC System" error preventing charging
Severe window fogging (resolved via OTA update)
Parts delays in some European markets

BYD Warranty Information (Europe)

BYD offers one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the industry, particularly for their Blade Battery technology.

Vehicle Warranty: 6 years / 150,000 km
Blade Battery Warranty: 8 years / 250,000 km (extended late 2025)
Guaranteed minimum State of Health: 70%
Anti-Perforation: 12 years, unlimited mileage

Warranty Comparison

BYD offers approximately 60% more battery mileage coverage than Tesla, VW, and Hyundai/Kia (all 8 years/160,000 km). For used buyers: warranty is tied to the vehicle and transferable. Remaining warranty continues from original purchase date.

Step-by-Step BYD History Check Process

Follow these steps to thoroughly verify a BYD vehicle's history before purchase:

1. Locate the VIN: Dashboard (visible through windshield), driver's door jamb, or under the hood
2. Validate Format: Confirm 17 characters starting with "L" (LGX or LC0 for BYD)
3. Use Specialized Decoder: Enter VIN at chinavehiclehistory.com or BYD-supporting decoder
4. Review Decoded Specs: Verify model, year, configuration match the physical vehicle
5. Obtain Full History Report: Get accident, ownership, odometer, recall, and service history
6. Cross-Reference Documents: Compare report against seller's documentation
7. Check Recall Status: Verify any open recalls have been addressed
8. Physical Inspection: Have independent mechanic verify VIN locations match and inspect vehicle condition

Why BYD History Checks Matter

With BYD's rapid global expansion, the used market is growing quickly. Many vehicles being sold second-hand may have been imports, fleet vehicles, or may have undisclosed damage history. A comprehensive history check protects buyers from costly surprises and ensures they're getting a safe, reliable vehicle.

Given the complexity of BYD's battery technology and the importance of proper maintenance records, a history report is particularly valuable for these vehicles. Battery health, charging history, and any thermal events should all be part of your due diligence.