BYD Poised to Surpass Tesla as Top Global EV Seller
Chinese automaker BYD is poised to exceed US-based Tesla in global electric vehicle sales for the first time on a calendar-year basis. According to a report, this would position BYD as the largest seller of electric vehicles globally. BYD announced on Thursday that its electric vehicle sales increased by 28 percent in 2025, reaching a total of 2.25 million units. Tesla has not yet disclosed its full-year figures; however, earlier this week, it provided a market estimate indicating an 8 percent decline in sales to 1.64 million units. In 2024, Tesla maintained its leading position, selling slightly more than 20,000 additional vehicles compared to BYD. This year, the Chinese automaker seems to have taken a significant lead.
BYD’s growth has been propelled by robust demand in China and increasing sales in international markets. In 2025, its electric vehicle sales surged, reaching a remarkable 150 per cent increase compared to 2022. The company, as the global sales leader, stands to gain from large-scale production, which aids in reducing costs and maintaining price competitiveness, according to the report. BYD’s total new-vehicle sales rose by 8 percent in 2025, reaching 4.6 million units, signifying its fifth consecutive year of growth. In 2024, it surpassed Japan’s Honda Motor and Nissan Motor in annual sales.
More than 90 per cent of BYD’s sales are attributed to passenger vehicles. Electric vehicles represented 2.25 million units, whereas sales of plug-in hybrids saw an 8 per cent decrease, totaling 2.28 million units. International sales experienced robust growth, spearheaded by Europe and bolstered by expansion in Latin America and Southeast Asia. BYD commenced operations at its Brazil plant in 2025, marking a significant step in its commitment to local manufacturing. The company intends to provide electric vehicles for the domestic market and export vehicles to Europe from its facility in Thailand.
Pressure mounts even in the face of growth. In China, BYD enhanced demand in February by incorporating advanced driver-assistance features into over 20 models while maintaining price levels. Nonetheless, obstacles persist. Data from September reveals that sales experienced a year-on-year decline for the first time in 19 months. According to the report, December deliveries fell by 18 per cent to 420,000 units, representing the fourth consecutive month of decline. Competition in China is intensifying, as established players like Geely and newcomers such as Xiaomi exert pressure that may influence BYD’s future sales.
