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China’s BYD denies claims its cars failed emissions test

AFP . Beijing
26 May 2023 00:00:00 | Update: 25 May 2023 22:44:38
China’s BYD denies claims its cars failed emissions test

Electric auto giant BYD on Thursday denied accusations levelled by a rival carmaker that two of its models failed China’s strict emissions standards.

BYD is the world’s second-largest maker of electric vehicles after Tesla, and is number one in China’s vibrant but fiercely competitive domestic sector.

On Thursday it hit back at allegations that two of its hybrid car models were “suspected of violating standards for evaporative pollutants”, after a complaint to China’s environment ministry by rival Great Wall Motors was published by state-backed news outlet The Paper.

Evaporative pollutants refer to gasoline vapour from fuel tanks and are a source of harmful air pollution.

“Our products and related testing comply with national standards and have been certified by authoritative national institutions,” BYD said in a statement.

“We welcome relevant departments to come any time for an investigation, to collect evidence and conduct testing.”

It added pointedly that “the testing vehicles were purchased, stored, and arranged for inspection by Great Wall Motors”, instead of a third party as required under national rules.

Analysts say China is leading the way worldwide when it comes to electric vehicle development.

BYD saw its profits jump fivefold in the first quarter thanks to global demand for its cars and buses.

But competition within the domestic market is fierce, with around 100 brands offering more than 300 models, according to Counterpoint Research.

The complaint by Great Wall, which was filed last month according to The Paper, comes weeks before China’s tough new vehicle emissions standards kick in.

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