EV Maker BYD Accused of Forced Labor at European Factory

Report alleges labor rights violations at Chinese company's facility in Europe as Canada imports more Chinese EVs.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:37am

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A forthcoming report from New York-based labor rights researchers is making new allegations of forced labor practices at the world's bestselling electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, as Canada lowers tariffs and imports more EVs from China.

Why it matters

The report could put pressure on BYD and the Canadian government over labor practices in the EV supply chain, as Canada seeks to boost its adoption of electric vehicles to meet emissions reduction targets.

The details

The report from the New York-based labor rights group is said to detail instances of forced labor, excessive overtime, and other labor rights violations at a BYD factory in Europe that produces vehicles for the Canadian market.

  • The report is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

The players

BYD

The world's bestselling electric vehicle manufacturer, a Chinese company that is expanding production in Europe to serve global markets.

New York-based labor rights researchers

A group of labor rights experts based in New York that is preparing a report on alleged forced labor practices at BYD's European factory.

Canada

The country that is lowering tariffs and importing more electric vehicles from China, including from BYD, as it seeks to boost EV adoption.

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What’s next

The report's findings could lead to increased scrutiny of BYD's labor practices and pressure on the Canadian government to address labor issues in its EV supply chain.

The takeaway

The allegations of forced labor at a major EV manufacturer's European factory highlight the need for closer examination of labor practices in the global electric vehicle industry as countries like Canada work to rapidly increase EV adoption.