BYD has officially taken Tesla's crown and become the world's largest EV seller

Core Insights - BYD has surpassed Tesla to become the world's largest seller of battery electric vehicles, marking a significant shift in the EV market dynamics [1][5] - In 2025, BYD sold 2.25 million battery-powered EVs, a nearly 28% increase from the previous year, while Tesla's sales fell by 8.5% to 1.64 million [2] - BYD's total vehicle shipments reached 4.6 million in 2024, including plug-in hybrids, while Tesla does not offer hybrid models [2] Company Performance - Tesla has experienced a decline in sales, with Q4 sales dropping nearly 16% year-over-year due to the removal of the $7,500 tax credit in the US [7] - The company is facing challenges in Europe and China, where competition is intensifying and demand is fluctuating [7][10] - BYD has also faced competition and a crackdown on EV discounting in China, leading to a 10% year-over-year sales drop in December [10] Competitive Landscape - BYD is recognized for its technological innovations, including rapid EV charging and autonomous driving features, enhancing its competitive edge [9] - The company is expanding internationally, planning to open 1,000 new stores in Europe, where it has already outsold Tesla [10] - Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has acknowledged BYD's competitiveness, indicating a shift in perception regarding the Chinese automaker [11]