In 2025, BYD decisively surpassed Tesla to become the global leader in pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales for the full year, marking a significant shift in the electric vehicle industry.
2025 Sales Comparison: BYD Leads by Over 600,000 Units
According to official data released by both companies:
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BYD BEV sales: Approximately 2.256 million units, reflecting a year-over-year increase of about 28%.
- Tesla global deliveries (all BEVs): 1.636 million units, representing a decline of roughly 9% from 2024.
BYD outperformed Tesla by more than 600,000 pure electric vehicles, achieving the top position in annual BEV sales for the first time.
BYD Total New Energy Vehicle Sales Exceed 4.6 Million, With BEV and PHEV Nearly Even
BYD reported total new energy vehicle sales of around 4.6 million units in 2025, including both passenger and commercial vehicles. The breakdown was:
- Pure electric vehicles (BEVs): 2.256 million units, accounting for about 49%.
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): 2.289 million units, down approximately 8% from 2024.
This near 50/50 split indicates a growing consumer preference for full electrics within BYD's portfolio, as BEV sales surged while PHEV volumes declined.
BYD Overseas Sales Surpass 1 Million Units, Up 150%
BYD's international expansion proved highly successful:
- Overseas deliveries reached over 1 million units in 2025, a year-over-year increase of approximately 150%.
- This growth helped offset challenges in the domestic Chinese market, where intensified competition led to softer sales in the latter part of the year.
BYD continued to gain traction in regions such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, despite trade barriers in some markets.
Tesla Faces Decline Amid Aging Product Lineup
In contrast, Tesla experienced headwinds in 2025:
- Annual deliveries fell about 9%, marking the second consecutive year of contraction.
- The company relied heavily on the Model 3 and Model Y, which accounted for the vast majority of volume.
- Refreshed versions of these models provided some support, but the absence of a lower-priced next-generation platform limited volume growth.
Tesla, once the dominant force in high-volume EV production with decade-long 50% annual growth rates, struggled to maintain momentum.
Industry Implications: Pure Electrics Emerge as the Long-Term Winner
BYD's broad lineup—from affordable models like the Seagull to premium sedans—has enabled it to capture diverse market segments. The decline in PHEV sales alongside strong BEV growth reinforces the view that plug-in hybrids serve primarily as a transitional technology, with full battery electrics representing the future of the industry.
As competition intensifies, 2026 promises further evolution in the global electric vehicle landscape, with BYD's export momentum and product diversity positioning it strongly for continued leadership.
