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Hungary investigates BYD over alleged toxic soil dumping at EV plant
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Economy & Trade

Hungary investigates BYD over alleged toxic soil dumping at EV plant

From Kathimerini · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD denies environmental rule violation allegations at its Hungarian factory.
  • Hungarian police are investigating claims that BYD moved toxic soil from its construction site.
  • The case highlights Hungary's increased focus on environmental concerns related to the EV industry, contrasting with previous administrations.

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has firmly rejected allegations of environmental rule violations at its under-construction factory in Hungary, its first in the European Union. "This is a false claim, and we have already assigned the case to a lawyer to respond, as we have done nothing wrong," stated Stella Li, BYD's executive vice president, in remarks to Bloomberg on the sidelines of an international conference in Belgrade.

This is a false claim, and we have already assigned the case to a lawyer to respond, as we have done nothing wrong.

โ€” Stella LiBYD's executive vice president, responding to allegations of environmental rule violations at the company's Hungarian factory.

Hungarian police are currently investigating claims that BYD breached environmental regulations by transporting toxic soil from its construction site in Szeged to another location. This situation underscores a shift in Hungary, where the new government under Prime Minister Pรฉter Magyar appears to be taking environmental concerns associated with the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry more seriously. This contrasts with the previous administration under Viktor Orbรกn, during which such issues were reportedly downplayed.

BYD is not the only battery manufacturer facing scrutiny; Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. and Samsung SDI have also been targeted by inspections. Despite the ongoing investigation, Li confirmed that BYD continues to explore locations for a second production facility in Europe, while remaining committed to its Hungarian plant. "We want to increase the production capacity of this facility as soon as possible," she said.

We want to increase the production capacity of this facility as soon as possible.

โ€” Stella LiStating BYD's commitment to expanding its Hungarian plant.

Li previously indicated that car assembly at the Hungarian facility is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. BYD has shortlisted potential sites for a second European plant, with Li noting openness to acquiring an existing facility, forming a partnership, or building a new one. During her visit to Serbia, Li met with President Aleksandar Vuฤiฤ‡, who proposed Serbia as a "significant hub on the map for the further development of BYD's production network in Europe."

significant hub on the map for the further development of BYD's production network in Europe.

โ€” Aleksandar Vuฤiฤ‡Serbian President proposing his country as a key location for BYD's European expansion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathimerini in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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