Overview
- Through January to September 2025, Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 were the top-selling BEVs globally, while eight of the top ten models were Chinese, according to Autovista24 data citing EV Volumes.
- BYD led combined global EV sales with a 19.3% market share versus Tesla’s roughly 8%, and Chinese brands occupied all ten positions in the global PHEV top ten.
- China accounted for about 70% of global EV production and shipped roughly 2 million EVs in the first ten months of 2025, an estimated 90% year-over-year increase.
- Chinese automakers are moving faster from design to launch—about 20 months versus 40 for many rivals—with MIIT approving 83 new BYD, Wuling, and Geely models and Chinese brands responsible for 91 of 180 global launches from November 2024 to October 2025.
- Tariffs largely block Chinese EVs from the U.S. market, prompting exploration of Mexican production, while U.S. executives emphasize competing through R&D as Tesla’s U.S. share has fallen to about 32%.