A midsize importer in São Paulo needed 12 left-hand-drive electric sedans for corporate fleet clients. They had a tight budget, a six-week delivery window, and zero experience importing from China. Their question was simple: what does it actually cost to put a Chinese EV on the road in Brazil, and how do we avoid surprises at customs? This is how a BYD Han order moved from first WhatsApp message to cleared cargo — with real numbers from our Brazil import guide and used-EV inventory.
Requirement
The buyer ran a small dealership network in Campinas and wanted to add a premium electric sedan to their showroom. They had seen BYD Han listings online but had no idea how to verify condition, handle homologation, or calculate the real landed cost. Their budget ceiling was around USD 45,000 per unit, delivered to the port of Santos. They also needed left-hand drive, which matches Brazil's traffic rules and our entire export inventory. After a 15-minute WhatsApp call, we narrowed the requirement to a 2024–2026 BYD Han with under 20,000 km, preferably a top trim with the larger battery. They asked for a CIF quote within 24 hours — a standard we meet for every serious inquiry.
Sourcing
We pulled available units from our used-EV hub, which currently lists 132 inspected electric vehicles across brands including BYD, NIO, XPeng, Li Auto, and Zeekr. The BYD Han sits in the EV-Sedan body type, and our sample inventory shows similar sedans priced from USD 11,880 for a 2026 BYD Qin PLUS with just 1,000 km. A Han with higher trim typically falls in the USD 25,000–40,000 range before freight. We shortlisted three cars: two 2025 models and one 2026 model, all with full battery health reports and left-hand drive. The buyer chose a 2025 Han with roughly 12,000 km, priced at USD 32,400 FOB China. We locked stock with a deposit and began preparing export documents.
Sample
Before committing to all 12 units, the importer requested one sample car to inspect and test-market. We arranged a container shipment for a single BYD Han to Santos. The sample cost included FOB USD 32,400, ocean freight and insurance to Brazil, plus Brazilian import duties. Brazil's import regime for electric vehicles includes an import tax that has been phased back in over recent years, and the buyer's broker confirmed the applicable rate at the time of shipment. For the sample, the CIF Santos figure came to approximately USD 35,900. After duty, ICMS, and customs clearance, the landed cost was about USD 44,200 — just under the buyer's USD 45,000 ceiling. The sample cleared in 11 days and passed a local safety inspection without modification.
Production
With the sample approved, the buyer confirmed 11 more units. Because these were used cars, not factory-new, "production" meant reconditioning, detailing, and battery diagnostics at our partner facility in Anhui. Each Han received a 120-point inspection, a software update to the latest firmware, and a full charge cycle test. We also prepared the export document set: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. The buyer wired a 30% deposit to lock the batch, with the balance due before shipment. Typical payment terms are a deposit to confirm and balance before shipment or against documents. All 12 cars were ready for loading within 18 days.
Delivery
We shipped the batch via RoRo from Shanghai to Santos, which is generally more cost-effective for multiple units than container shipping. RoRo means the cars are driven onto a specialized vessel and secured; container shipping uses a steel box. For 12 sedans, RoRo saved roughly USD 400 per unit compared to container. The ocean transit took 32 days. On arrival, our Brazilian broker handled customs clearance, paying import duty, ICMS, and the merchant marine tax. The total CIF cost for the batch was USD 430,800 — about USD 35,900 per car. After all local charges, the average landed cost per Han was USD 44,050. The buyer took delivery at the port and moved the cars to their showroom in Campinas.
Outcome
The importer sold 9 of the 12 Hans within six weeks, at an average retail price of BRL 289,000 (about USD 53,000). That left a gross margin of roughly 20% per car after landing costs. The remaining three went to a corporate fleet client on a 24-month lease. The buyer has since placed a second order for 10 units, this time mixing BYD Han with a smaller BYD Qin PLUS for entry-level fleet demand. Their biggest lesson: get a CIF quote that includes duty and clearance, not just FOB. As they put it, "FOB is a number, CIF is a budget." We now handle their Brazil imports on a standing 24-hour quote turnaround.
What This Means for Your Brazil Import
If you are importing to Brazil, plan for three cost layers: FOB China, international freight and insurance, and Brazilian taxes. Our Brazil import guide covers the current duty structure, but rates change, so always confirm at the time of shipment. Left-hand drive is mandatory for Brazil, and all our export vehicles are LHD. We ship from multiple Chinese ports and can arrange RoRo or container depending on your volume. For a single unit, container is often simpler; for five or more, RoRo usually wins on price. Either way, you get a full export document set your broker needs for clearance.
How to Start Your Own Case
Send us the model, destination country, port, and quantity via WhatsApp. We return a full landed-cost quote — FOB plus freight, insurance, duty, and clearance — within 24 hours. You can browse our used EV inventory to see current stock, including sedans, SUVs, and MPVs from brands like BYD, NIO, and XPeng. If you need a specific trim or year, tell us and we will source it. We have exported to Mexico, Israel, Kazakhstan, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Our company, Anhui Zhongsu Luosi Automobile Sales Co., Ltd, is based in Hefei, Anhui, and we handle everything from inspection to bill of lading. No hidden fees, no vague timelines.
Common Questions from Brazilian Importers
Can I import a used BYD Han to Brazil? Yes, provided it meets age and emission rules. Brazil allows used vehicle imports under specific conditions, and we supply the inspection reports and export documents your broker needs.
What is the CIF landed cost for a BYD Han to Santos? Based on our recent shipment, a 2025 Han with about 12,000 km landed at approximately USD 44,000–44,200 per unit after duty, ICMS, and clearance. This varies with exchange rates and tax changes.
How long does shipping take? RoRo from Shanghai to Santos takes about 32 days. Add 7–14 days for customs clearance and inland transport.
Do you handle homologation? We provide the certificate of origin and technical specs. Your local broker or importer handles the Brazilian homologation process, which may require minor adjustments for local standards.
What payment terms do you accept? Typical terms are a deposit to confirm and balance before shipment or against documents. We accept bank transfers in USD.
Why Importers Choose China EV Export
We focus on transparent pricing and practical logistics. Every quote includes a CIF breakdown, so you know the duty and clearance costs before you commit. Our inventory is left-hand drive and export-ready, with 132 used EVs currently listed. We respond on WhatsApp first, because that is where most of our buyers live. And we stick to a 24-hour quote turnaround, even for complex multi-unit orders. If you are ready to move, send a message and we will build your Brazil case the same way we built this one.