BYD Passes Tesla as World's Top Electric Vehicle Manufacturer

BYD reported more than 2.25 million vehicle sales in 2025, up 28%, while Tesla reported about 1.64 million, down 9%, making BYD the top seller by volume.

China's BYD reported more than 2.25 million vehicle sales in 2025 and overtook Tesla in global EV volumes, according to the article. Tesla reported about 1.64 million vehicles for 2025, a nine-percent decline from the prior year. The article links the change to factors including past Chinese government support, a strong battery supply chain, and generally lower prices from Chinese automakers. It also reports headwinds for Tesla, such as the end of heavy U.S. EV subsidies, increasing competition, and some customer pushback related to the company's leadership and recent models. Key details: - BYD reported roughly 2.25 million vehicles sold in 2025, a reported increase of about 28% compared with the prior year. - Tesla reported about 1.64 million vehicles for 2025, a reported nine-percent decline. - BYD's strongest market outside China in 2025 was the United Kingdom, where the company reported an 880% increase in sales. - The article reports Chinese brands now account for about 10% of vehicle sales in Britain, Spain, and Norway, and about 6% of the remaining European market. - The Guardian is reported as saying EU countries are concerned about potential job losses as Chinese automakers expand, and the EU has applied tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese electric cars; the article notes Chinese firms have also used hybrid models to enter the EU market. - The article also notes Tesla introduced lower-priced versions of its models in 2025 but that price cuts were relatively small and did not produce sustained consumer enthusiasm in the U.S. Summary: BYD's reported 2025 sales placed it ahead of Tesla in global EV volumes, reflecting stronger reported growth for BYD and weaker reported sales for Tesla. The shift is presented alongside changing market patterns and policy responses in Europe. Undetermined at this time.