Formula E conversations continue with giant Chinese manufacturer

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has confirmed that active conversations are still taking place with Chinese manufacturing giant BYD.

Across last weekend's Mexico City E-Prix, BYD's presence was very much felt within the paddock, with the brand booking its own suite, as did the likes of Porsche and Nissan. It is not the first time BYD has done so.

With BYD branding scattered across the paddock and Fan Village, a new fan could be forgiven for assuming it is already a manufacturer in the championship.

For now, that is not the case; however, conversations have been ongoing for some time, with a Chinese manufacturer in Formula E being near — if not at — the top of the category's checklist.

China is a significant market for Formula E, being the leading global consumer of EV vehicles by some margin. A manufacturer and driver from the nation would be a dream come true for the all-electric series – it already has two venues on Chinese soil in Shanghai and the island of Sanya.

Addressing BYD's presence in the Mexico City paddock, Dodds told RacingNews365 ahead of the recent event: "They did it last year — BYD brought a lot of people here [to Mexico City]. 

"I’ve made no secret of the fact that we’ve been talking to BYD for a long time, and they’ve been talking to us for a long time.

"They would be a mega entry into the championship. Of course, getting in for Gen4 is not quite so easy now, as we have six manufacturers signed up for the championship and they’re already testing the cars.

"So there are, of course, ways in for great manufacturers, but there’s nothing to announce yet. However, the fact that they’re here, showing an interest in being involved and taking a suite here, is a good sign for the championship."

Why a BYD entry is not straightforward

As Dodds noted, there would be difficulties if BYD wanted to join in the initial seasons of Gen4, particularly as a fully fledged manufacturer.

With no licences remaining on the grid for Gen4 and most customer teams already committed to a manufacturer, entry as a powertrain supplier would be highly unlikely until at least the midpoint of Formula E's next era.

If BYD is eager to join within the next two years, its best option would be to replicate the approach of Spanish manufacturer Cupra and the recently departed McLaren by joining an existing team as a branded manufacturer.

Asked if the earliest BYD could join is mid-Gen4 (Season 15/16), Dodds answered: "I think, look, there are routes in for manufacturers earlier than that — many different ways. So manufacturers can come in as branded manufacturers and do a brilliant job of that.

"And I think Cupra is an exceptional example of that. They do that brilliantly, and McLaren did as well. Then you've got full manufacturers.

"So there are variable ways of getting into this. But if you wanted to come in as a full manufacturer, probably the midpoint of Gen4 is the logical time to do so."