BYD Tops Tesla as Global EV Leader in 2025; Tesla Deliveries Fall
BYD became the largest EV maker in 2025 with 2.26 million sales, surpassing Tesla, while Tesla deliveries fell 9% to 1.63 million amid growing competition.
Overview
BYD overtook Tesla to lead the global EV market in 2025, selling 2.26 million vehicles and expanding dominance in Europe and other markets.
Tesla's 2025 global deliveries fell 9% to 1.63 million, down from 1.79 million in 2024, as competition intensified.
BYD does not sell EVs in the United States, while China remains crucial for Tesla's market presence and growth strategy.
BYD's gains reflect broader growth in global and European markets, challenging Tesla's leadership and prompting strategic shifts in pricing and product development.
Tesla is pursuing a broader strategy including cheaper Model 3 and Model Y variants, energy storage, and robotaxi ambitions to offset tax-credit losses and defend market share.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by highlighting the competitive dynamics between BYD and Tesla, emphasizing BYD's strategic growth and Tesla's challenges. Language choices like "intensifying competition" and "consumer backlash" suggest a narrative of shifting market power. The focus on BYD's European expansion and Tesla's declining sales underscores a broader theme of global market realignment.
Sources (19)
FAQ
BYD sold 2.26 million pure battery electric vehicles in 2025, marking a 28% increase from the previous year, making it the global leader.
Tesla's deliveries fell 9% to 1.63 million vehicles in 2025 from 1.79 million in 2024.
Tesla's decline was due to intensifying competition, particularly from BYD, loss of tax credits, and market challenges outside China.
BYD is expanding in Europe and other global markets but does not sell EVs in the United States; China remains key for Tesla.
Tesla is focusing on cheaper Model 3 and Model Y variants, energy storage products, and robotaxi development to offset losses.














