BYD states that electric vehicles can play a key role in easing global oil supply disruptions that have driven fuel prices to record levels in Australia and elsewhere.

Vice president Liu Xueliang spoke at the event last week for the arrival in Melbourne of the BYD Zhengzhou, a vessel nearly 200 meters long that belongs to the company's fleet of eight car carriers.

The ship carried 4908 vehicles, among them the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute along with the Atto 1 electric hatch, Atto 2 small SUV and Sealion 7 mid-size SUV, plus other models for local buyers.

"Where we stand now in Melbourne is more than 11,000 km from the Strait of Hormuz," Mr Liu noted, pointing to the vital Middle East route impacted by tensions involving the US and Iran.

Roughly 20 percent of worldwide oil flows through this passage, and interruptions have contributed to higher fuel costs globally, with diesel prices in Australia hit especially hard.

"The uncertainty over the past three months around the Strait of Hormuz has affected our customers' experience in the Australian market," Mr Liu said.

"Demand for EVs has grown in Australia, particularly after the recent fuel issues. We aim to deliver additional models and units to buyers awaiting electric options."

His remarks follow another period of strong electrified vehicle sales, with EV share reaching a new high of 19.9 percent in May 2026 as the Tesla Model Y became the top-selling vehicle overall, surpassing the Ford Ranger.

"Australia matters not just for BYD's plans but for the entire EV sector," Mr Liu added.

The vice president also outlined the firm's "three green dreams" approach covering solar power, battery storage and electric vehicles, similar to strategies from other major players.

"These three green dreams show once more how they can tackle current oil price difficulties," he said.

"We seek to be more than a car brand and instead support the full green energy supply chain.

"As noted by Stephen Collins, BYD Australia chief operating officer, our work spans passenger cars, commercial vehicles, energy storage and batteries.

"We aim to apply BYD technology and products to various markets based on local requirements."

In Australia, Tesla earned more from battery storage in 2025 than from Model Y and Model 3 sales. Beyond large projects in South Australia and Victoria, the company saw strong growth in home battery setups last year.

BYD stands out as one of the few carmakers that produces its own batteries, having started as a battery firm. Other brands such as Ford are also entering battery and storage production.

Ford has revealed plans for large-scale battery systems in the US with first deliveries set for 2027, though Ford Australia has indicated no current plans for local supply of this technology.