China's BYD overtakes Tesla as world's biggest electric car seller

Core Insights - BYD has overtaken Tesla as the world's largest electric carmaker in 2025, selling 2.26 million battery electric cars compared to Tesla's 1.63 million deliveries [1][11] - This shift signifies the rise of Chinese automotive companies in the global market, with BYD leading the charge alongside competitors like SAIC and Chery [2] Sales Performance - Tesla's sales declined by 9% in 2025 compared to 2024, with a total of 418,200 deliveries in the final quarter, falling short of analyst expectations [6][9] - BYD's overall car sales reached 4.55 million in 2025, although sales of plug-in hybrids decreased by 8% year-on-year to 2.29 million [12] Market Dynamics - The growth rate of electric car sales has slowed, prompting manufacturers to cut prices aggressively, while governments have rolled back targets for transitioning away from petrol vehicles [3] - Tesla's sales slump is attributed to the withdrawal of EV subsidies and emissions regulations under the Trump administration, as well as a backlash from consumers due to Musk's political stance [4][8] Competitive Landscape - Despite declining sales, Tesla remains the most valuable carmaker globally, with a market valuation of $1.4 trillion, surpassing the combined value of the next 30 car manufacturers [9] - BYD's sales of commercial vehicles, including electric buses and trucks, more than doubled to 57,000 units, indicating a diversification in its product offerings [12] - BYD has introduced advanced technology, such as the "God's Eye" feature, which is now available even on its lower-priced models, enhancing its competitive edge [10]