Suspense Grows Over BYD Motor Probe

Something very interesting is brewing in the car world — and Sri Lanka Customs is right at the centre of it.

Over 1,000 shiny new BYD electric vehicles are stuck, held back by Sri Lanka Customs. Why? All because of one question: Is the motor really under 100kW, or is someone playing with the numbers?

Officials now suspect that what’s supposed to be a “low-tax” 100kW motor might actually be a 150kW beast, cleverly downgraded by software. If true, that would mean huge tax losses, and possibly — a scandal with international ripples.

Where’s the motor?

Customs says they’ve been waiting for weeks for BYD agents to hand over a motor to Moratuwa University for testing. But nothing’s arrived. Instead, the company says it needs to be removed by specialists and shipped properly.

One official revealed to the Public Finance Committee that even John Keells, which is representing BYD in this, suggested sending it to an international lab for testing. But Sri Lankan authorities insist that Moratuwa University has the capacity — if it’s internationally recognised.

“Don’t fall into the same hole again” – Harsha de Silva warns

Committee Chairman Harsha de Silva reminded everyone of the China-Sri Lanka fertilizer disaster, where local tests failed and Singapore ruled against Sri Lanka — costing us millions. This time, he said, let’s not mess it up again.

“This is not just a local issue. It’s connected to China. If we handle it wrong, it can become a diplomatic headache,” he warned.

Software trick or genuine spec?

Here’s the real suspense: If the motor’s full capacity is 150kW, but software limits it to 100kW, does it still qualify for the lower tax?

Customs says no — because they go by the real, raw capacity. But BYD reps argue that other countries like Singapore and Nepal have accepted the downgrading method.

So the big question is:

Is Sri Lanka being too strict — or is someone trying to pull a fast one with clever coding?

Thousands of pre-orders. Massive market interest. And now – a pause.

With BYD quickly becoming a hit among Lankan buyers and thousands of pre-orders already made, this case could change the entire EV import game.

Customs is standing firm. Moratuwa is on standby. And BYD? They’re still silent on when that motor will finally show up for testing.

Until then, over 1,000 cars sit still, and the suspense continues.