Who Is Wang Chuanfu? Age, Biography and Wiki
Wang Chuanfu, born on April 8, 1966, is a renowned Chinese chemist and businessman, widely recognized for his pivotal role in electric vehicle battery production as the CEO of BYD Company Ltd. As of 2025, Wang is 58 years old, having built a legacy that intertwines chemistry and technology. His contributions to green energy solutions have positioned him as a key figure in the global transition towards sustainable energy.
Wang's journey commenced with a degree in chemistry from Xi'an Jiaotong University, followed by advanced studies at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His career took flight when he started BYD in 1995, which originally manufactured rechargeable batteries and has since expanded into electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1966 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Wuwei County, Anhui, China |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | China |
Popularity
Wang Chuanfu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Wang Chuanfu is known to maintain a healthy lifestyle, though specific details about his height and weight are not publicly disclosed. His stature is perceived as professional and approachable, embodying the determination and discipline typical of successful entrepreneurs in the tech industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Wang Chuanfu tends to keep his personal life private, focusing on his professional endeavors. As of 2025, there is limited public information regarding his dating status. It is known that he values family, and while his partner or spouse has not been publicly identified, his dedication to both personal and professional life is evident.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Wang Chuanfu's estimated net worth is around $20 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in China. His fortune primarily stems from BYD's impressive growth in the electric vehicle market and his strategic investments in renewable energy solutions. His salary as CEO of BYD continues to reflect his leadership role in one of the world's most significant green technology firms.
In early 2009, he was reportedly worth US$3.4 billion, placing him 408th on Hurun Report's Global Rich List 2014. In late 2009, his net worth grew to $5.1 billion and was crowned China's richest man on the Hurun Report. This was due largely to a five-fold increase in his company's value after Berkshire Hathaway bought 225 million new shares of BYD in 2008.
Career, Business and Investments
Wang Chuanfu’s career is a testament to innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. After founding BYD, he led the company to become the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer. He has invested significantly in developing battery technologies and renewable energy solutions, which have been crucial for the company’s expansion and diversification.
Under Wang's leadership, BYD has ventured into various sectors beyond automotive, including energy storage and public transportation. His strategic vision has positioned BYD as a key player in the fight against climate change, making a substantial impact on both the economy and the environment.
He then studied metallurgy and earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree. After briefly managing a battery company, he founded BYD in 1995 with a loan from his cousin. BYD grew rapidly, and entered the automotive industry in 2003.
Social Network
Wang Chuanfu maintains an influential presence in the business world, often sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn and attending various international forums focusing on technology, sustainability, and innovation. His contributions to battery technology and electric vehicles are frequently discussed in industry conferences, where he advocates for furthering investment in green energy.
While he may not be as active on social media platforms popular among younger demographics, his professional achievements and esteem within corporate circles echo through various news articles, interviews, and business publications.
In September 2008, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc through MidAmerican Energy Holdings, invested about US$230 million for a 9.89% share of BYD at HK$8/share. Buffett credited this investment to Charlie Munger, Berkshire's vice chairman who saw the potential in the company.
Munger credited Li Lu, founder of Seattle-based asset manager Himalaya Capital, for introducing him to BYD and Wang. Munger spoke admiringly of Wang, saying that he came from a poor family but rose through hard work and talent. Munger also called Wang a "genius" and a "workaholic".
Education
Wang Chuanfu received his undergraduate education at Xi'an Jiaotong University, focusing on chemistry. He further advanced his expertise with a postgraduate degree at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This strong educational foundation in chemistry has proven instrumental in his career, facilitating his breakthrough innovations in battery technology and his rise in the competitive tech landscape.
After graduating high school, he studied metallurgical physical chemistry at the then Central South Industrial University (nowadays the Central South University) and graduated in 1987. He went on to earn a master's degree in 1990 from the Beijing Non-Ferrous Metal General Research Institute (now GRINM Group).
