Particle.news
Download on the App Store

BYD Poised to Overtake Tesla as 2025 Global EV Sales Leader

Analysts link Tesla’s softer fourth quarter to the U.S. tax-credit expiry.

Overview

  • BYD has reported about 2.07 million electric vehicles sold through November, versus Tesla’s roughly 1.22 million through September, pointing to a likely year-end lead pending official totals.
  • FactSet projects Tesla’s fourth-quarter deliveries near 449,000 and Deutsche Bank around 405,000, implying roughly 1.65 million units for 2025 and an annual decline.
  • Tesla’s third-quarter surge reflected purchases pulled forward before the $7,500 U.S. incentive ended on September 30, followed by a demand adjustment in the fourth quarter.
  • BYD is building manufacturing capacity abroad, including in Hungary, and is gaining traction in Europe, with Spanish sales surpassing 30,000 units since 2023.
  • Tesla is leaning on autonomous technology as a growth driver, with analysts highlighting FSD and Elon Musk targeting April 2026 to begin Cybercab robotaxi production.