BYD Song Plus and Qin Plus from China: export buyer's guide

China's best-selling new-energy vehicles — now entering the used export market at prices that make first movers look smart.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-14

Why BYD for export

BYD is the world's largest new-energy vehicle manufacturer by volume, and in China's domestic market the Song Plus and Qin Plus have consistently ranked among the top-selling vehicles — all categories, not just EVs. That sales volume creates exactly the supply conditions that make used export viable: large numbers of 1–3-year-old units entering the used market at steep discounts from their original prices.

For import buyers, the combination is hard to ignore: proven technology at used-car prices, from a brand that is already establishing itself internationally. BYD has official distribution in over 70 countries, which means parts networks and brand awareness are growing in parallel with the used export opportunity.

The two models, compared

	Song Plus DM-i	Qin Plus DM-i
Body	Compact SUV	Compact sedan
Powertrain	1.5L petrol + electric motor + blade battery	1.5L petrol + electric motor + blade battery
Pure-electric range (NEDC)	51–110 km depending on variant	55–120 km depending on variant
Fuel consumption (hybrid mode)	~4.4 L/100 km	~3.8 L/100 km
Best for	SUV-preference markets, dealers, families	Price-sensitive markets, taxi/fleet, commuters

Both models also exist in pure-EV versions (Song Plus EV, Qin Plus EV). The DM-i plug-in hybrids are the practical export choice for most markets — they run on petrol when charging is unavailable, removing the infrastructure dependency that limits pure EVs in many importing countries.

What to check beyond the brochure

Battery health. BYD's blade battery (LFP chemistry) is designed for long cycle life, but always verify the indicated range at full charge versus the official rating. A 2-year-old DM-i with an indicated pure-electric range close to the original spec is normal; significant degradation at low mileage is a red flag.
Charging standard. China uses GB/T. For DM-i models this matters less than for pure EVs — the car charges from petrol — but if your market has GB/T-compatible chargers or adapters, the EV mode becomes a genuine daily feature for your customer.
Shipping declarations. All BYD DM-i and EV models ship under dangerous-goods (DG) rules because of the lithium battery. This is routine but adds documentation and sometimes cost. Flag the powertrain type from your first inquiry so timelines and freight quotes are realistic.
Local service reality. In markets where BYD sells new vehicles, warranty and service infrastructure exists. In markets without BYD presence yet, the DM-i's petrol engine means local mechanics can handle routine maintenance — the hybrid system is largely sealed and maintenance-free under normal use.

Which markets these models suit

The Song Plus and Qin Plus DM-i are strongest for markets where fuel costs are high, BYD brand awareness is growing, and the buyer values running-cost savings. Specifically:

Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq): SUV preference makes the Song Plus the natural fit. BYD already sells new in several Gulf states, so service networks exist.
North Africa (Algeria, Libya): The Qin Plus DM-i's fuel economy is a strong selling point where fuel subsidies are being reduced. Algeria's 3-year age limit aligns well with the available supply of nearly-new units.
Latin America and Central Asia: Markets with rising Chinese-brand acceptance and high fuel costs. The DM-i's petrol backup means no dependency on charging infrastructure.

For markets where the buyer profile is more conservative and prefers a known nameplate, consider the Toyota Corolla Cross — the trade-off is higher FOB price for stronger brand trust.

Buying notes from the exporter's side

Decide DM-i or EV first. For most export markets, DM-i is the pragmatic choice — see our EV/hybrid guide for a deeper comparison. Pure EVs suit markets with established charging only.
Check your country's NEV import rules. Some countries offer duty reductions for hybrid or electric vehicles; others treat them identically to petrol cars. Your customs broker is the source for current rates.
Match the manufacture date to your age rule. Song Plus DM-i production started in 2021; Qin Plus DM-i also from 2021. Most available units are well within 5-year windows, but verify the plate date for 3-year markets.
Budget for DG shipping. Container freight for battery vehicles costs more than for petrol cars. Factor this into your total landed cost calculation.
Verify before you pay. Full photo set, VIN plate, battery health indication, and condition notes — all before paying the deposit.

How we supply BYD models

BYD's domestic sales volume means deep used supply, but also variation — different battery capacities, trim levels and production batches across model years. We filter by your destination's age rule and your target spec before presenting options, and we verify battery health indication on any unit before issuing a PI. If a vehicle's indicated range suggests unusual degradation, we tell you and recommend alternatives rather than shipping a problem.

Browse current stock to see available BYD models, or tell us your market, quantity and budget — we supply to your spec and reply within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

What is DM-i and why does it matter for export?

DM-i is BYD's plug-in hybrid system — a fuel-efficient petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a blade battery. For export markets with limited charging infrastructure, DM-i means your customer gets EV-level fuel economy on short trips and petrol backup for long ones. It removes the biggest objection to new-energy vehicles in developing markets.

How do I check battery health on a used BYD?

Ask for the indicated full-charge range versus the official NEDC or CLTC rating, plus the odometer reading. BYD's blade battery technology has strong cycle-life performance, but a vehicle that shows significantly degraded range at low mileage deserves closer investigation before commitment.

Are BYD parts available outside China?

BYD has established official distribution in over 70 countries and is expanding service networks actively. In markets where BYD sells new cars, parts availability is strong. In markets without official presence yet, verify the parts situation for the specific model before ordering at fleet scale — early availability varies by region.

Song Plus or Qin Plus — which should I import?

The Song Plus is a compact SUV, the Qin Plus a sedan — choose based on what your market prefers. In SUV-dominated markets like the Middle East and Africa, the Song Plus is the safer first order. In price-sensitive or taxi-fleet markets, the Qin Plus sedan offers a lower entry point with the same DM-i technology.

Disclaimer: import regulations change and are applied by the destination country's customs at the time of clearance. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with your local customs broker before paying a deposit. Under FOB terms, import compliance and clearance are the buyer's responsibility; we flag obvious issues (such as vehicle age limits) before you commit.