China’s BYD has overtaken Tesla to become the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) seller in 2025, delivering 2.26 million battery electric cars compared with Tesla’s 1.63 million. BYD’s sales rose 28% year-on-year, while Tesla’s dropped 9%, marking the company’s second consecutive annual decline.
Industry analysts attribute Tesla’s slowdown to reduced US EV subsidies under President Donald Trump and mixed consumer sentiment over Elon Musk’s political positions. Meanwhile, BYD has expanded both domestically and internationally, leveraging competitive pricing, a diverse vehicle lineup, and advanced technology, including its “God’s Eye” autonomous driving system.
Founded in 1995 as a battery company by Wang Chuanfu, BYD has successfully scaled production to compete globally. Analysts note that the global EV market continues to expand, though pricing pressures and policy changes create challenges and opportunities for manufacturers. BYD’s milestone reflects both the rapid growth of Chinese EV makers and the shifting balance of power in the international automotive industry.
BYD’s rise signals the growing dominance of Chinese automakers, including SAIC and Chery, in the global EV market. The shift highlights China’s growing influence in electric mobility, challenging traditional leaders and reshaping the industry’s competitive landscape.
Despite falling sales, Tesla remains the world’s most valuable carmaker with a market capitalization of $1.4 trillion, supported by investor confidence in Musk’s technological innovations, including autonomous vehicles and AI-driven projects like robotaxis.
Also Read: 72 hour deadline for X to tackle AI abuse