BYD Surpasses Tesla as World's Top EV Seller in 2025 Amid Tesla's Declining Sales
For the 2025 calendar year, BYD overtook Tesla to become the world's top electric vehicle (EV) seller, marking the first time BYD outsold Tesla in annual EV sales. BYD's EV sales rose about 28% to more than 2.25 million vehicles.
Conversely, Tesla's global car sales in 2025 fell approximately 9% to 1.64 million vehicles, continuing a second consecutive year of declines. Tesla's Q4 2025 car sales decreased by 16%, a period influenced by the repeal of a US subsidy worth up to $7,500.
Automotive analysts have lowered Tesla's sales estimates for 2026 amid a gloomier market outlook and intensified competition from Chinese rivals. Chinese companies such as Geely, MG, and BYD are pricing their EVs below established Western brands, putting significant pressure on competitors.
In response, Tesla launched lower-priced versions of its two best-selling US models in October 2025 to boost sales. Additionally, Elon Musk's pay package, approved by shareholders in November 2025, could pay out up to $1 trillion and includes a requirement to sell 1 million humanoid robots over 10 years.
