China’s BYD Overtakes Tesla As The World’s Biggest EV Maker

China’s BYD overtakes Tesla as the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) maker.

Tesla sold 1.64 million electric vehicles in 2025 – a decline of almost 9% from the previous year.

In comparison, BYD sold 2.26 million electric vehicles – nearly 28 percent jump from 2024 sales.

In 2025, U9 Xtreme from its Yangwang brand dethroned Bugatti Chiron SS 300+ as the world’s fastest production car.

China’s BYD (Build Your Dreams) on Friday dethroned Tesla as the world’s biggest EV manufacturer after the US Electric Vehicle maker announced it sold 1.64 million vehicles in 2025 – a decline of almost 9 percent from the previous year.

In comparison, BYD sold 2.26 million battery-powered vehicles (BEVs) between January and December – nearly 28 percent jump from 2024 sales, marking the first time the Chinese automaker has surpassed Tesla in terms of annual sales.

Last year, BYD delivered more than 4.6 million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), which encompasses both pure-electric BEVs and electrified models, and for the first time, its overseas sales surpassed 1 million units in a single year.

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As part of move to compete with BYD’s cheaper models sold in European market, Tesla introduced more affordable trims of the Model Y and Model 3, whose pricing remains high compared with BYD’s pricing in the region.

2025 was a milestone and record-breaking year for BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) whose brand includes the main BYD, Denza, Yangwang, and off-road focused Fangchengbao.

In December, BYD celebrated the production of its 15 millionth NEVs while the U9 Xtreme from its Yangwang brand hits 308mph in September to dethrone Bugatti Chiron SS 300+ as the world’s fastest production car.

Earlier in the year in February, Stella Li, the Executive Vice-President of BYD, was named 2025 World Car Person Of The Year, marking the first time a woman will win the prestigious award and also the first ‘World Car Award’ win for a Chinese brand.

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