BYD Overtakes Tesla as World’s Biggest Electric Car Seller

Chinese automaker BYD has officially overtaken Tesla as the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles, marking a major shift in the global EV market.

BYD reported a sharp rise in electric vehicle sales last year, driven by strong demand in China and expanding markets abroad. Analysts say the company’s success has been fueled by competitive pricing, a wide range of models, and tight control over its supply chain — including in-house battery production.

Tesla, long considered the global leader in electric vehicles, faced increased pressure from Chinese rivals as price competition intensified. Slower demand growth in some markets, along with heightened competition in China, also weighed on Tesla’s overall performance.

Industry experts note that BYD’s rise reflects a broader trend: Chinese manufacturers are no longer just competing on cost, but also on technology, design, and scale. BYD now offers a diverse lineup of electric sedans, SUVs, and hybrid vehicles that appeal to both domestic and international buyers.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously acknowledged the growing challenge posed by Chinese EV makers, even as Tesla continues to invest in innovation, autonomous driving technology, and new manufacturing capacity.

As the global transition to electric mobility accelerates, competition between legacy leaders and fast-rising challengers is expected to intensify — reshaping the future of the automotive industry.