BYD Set to Take Biggest EV Seller Title as Global Sales Overtake Tesla
In Focus
- BYD’s statement shows EV maker delivered 2.26 million units in 2025
- The deliveries represent about 28% growth year-on-year
- Analysts place Tesla’s annual deliveries at 1.65 million units
Tesla is expected to lose the biggest EV seller title to China’s BYD for the first time. According to CNBC, this milestone will mark extraordinary growth for the Chinese EV maker. BYD’s global EV sales are expected to overtake Tesla when the two companies publish their 2025 annual sales figures.
BYD Deliveries Grew YoY
A statement published on BYD’s website shows the company delivered about 2.26 million units of its battery-electric vehicles in 2025. The deliveries represent close to 28% year-on-year growth.
Last week, analysts placed Tesla EV delivery estimates for the entire year at 1.65 million vehicles. This figure represents an 8% drop from 2024. Analysts also expect Tesla, which is set to unveil its annual sales on January 2, 2025, to report a 15% decline in its Q4 deliveries.
Tesla has been experiencing mixed reception of its new offerings due to fierce competition from Chinese firms like BYD, Geely, and MG. These brands have a competitive edge over Western manufacturers because they price their EVs lower than most established brands.
To improve sales, Tesla launched standard versions of Model 3 and Model Y in the U.S. in October 2025. The vehicles, which were priced at $39,990 and $36,990 respectively, come with a 321 miles or 516 km driving range.
The standard versions also feature a less powerful acceleration compared to Premium models. Tesla also unveiled a new version of its supervised Full Self-Driving driver assistance system as it sought to reposition itself in the EV market.
Tesla Sales in Europe Dip
Tesla sales in Europe have dipped significantly in 2025. In April, 2025, BYD outsold Tesla in Europe for the first time. A report by research firm JATO Dynamics showed that BYD sold 7,231 battery-powered electric vehicles in European countries against Tesla’s 7,165 units.
As China’s top electric vehicle seller, BYD was among top EV sellers in Europe in August 2025. During this month, Chinese cars outsold European brands, Renault and Audi in the region. Chinese auto manufacturers have been ramping up the exportation of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) to Europe.
BYD’s Focus on Global Expansion
BYD has risen significantly in recent years. However, its sales growth in China weakened to a new low in 2025 as it continues to face fierce competition locally. Beyond the Chinese borders, the company, the EV maker maintains market leadership as its pricing undercuts key rivals.
In October 2025, BYD sales in the U.K. surged by 880%, making Britain its largest market outside China. As part of its overseas expansion, BYD signed a $1 billion deal to set up an EV plant in Turkey. The company has continued its rapid expansion to Southeast Asia, Latin America and Europe despite the steep tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles.
