BYD is searching across Europe for an existing car assembly plant it can buy, refurbish and fully own as the European Union develops minimum local-content rules for electric vehicles. Alfredo Altavilla, BYD’s European adviser, said Spain and France are currently the most actionable options because their situations are simpler, with refurbishment costs the key consideration. BYD is conducting feasibility studies on multiple facilities and expects to choose a site for its second European passenger-car factory by the end of the year. Production has begun at an initial stage at its first European passenger-car plant in Hungary. Altavilla said BYD will eventually need three assembly plants and one battery plant in Europe. Italy is a backup option because Stellantis, the country’s sole major automaker, is unwilling to sell its plants. The rules are still being drafted and are expected to be introduced as soon as next year, while other Chinese automakers are also pursuing European manufacturing arrangements.