BYD has officially overtaken Tesla as the world’s top-selling electric vehicle (EV) brand in 2025, according to Car.News. The Chinese automaker sold 388,000 more EVs than Tesla between January 1 and September 30, solidifying its lead in the rapidly growing global EV market.
BYD’s total EV sales reached 1.61 million units by the end of September — a 37% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, Tesla recorded 1.22 million sales, marking a 6% decline. This also marks the fourth consecutive quarter in which BYD has outsold Tesla in pure EV sales.
Even though Tesla achieved record deliveries between July and September, BYD maintained its dominance despite facing challenges in its domestic Chinese market. The company operates under four distinct marques and plans to introduce new Denza, Fangchengbao, and Yangwang-badged models in Australia starting November.
Unlike Tesla, which produces only electric vehicles, BYD also offers plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options such as the Shark 6 dual-cab ute and Sealion 6 mid-size SUV. However, even when counting EVs alone, BYD has now surpassed Tesla — making it the first automaker to consistently outsell the U.S. giant on purely electric terms.
Last year, Tesla narrowly beat BYD with 1.79 million global EV sales versus BYD’s 1.76 million, but the tables have now turned. Tesla’s market performance has weakened in regions such as Europe and Australia, where competition from BYD, Volkswagen, and others continues to intensify.
Meanwhile, BYD has made history as the first Chinese automaker to rank among the top five best-selling car brands in Australia, following its decision to take over distribution from EVDirect in mid-2025. The company also appointed former Honda Australia CEO Stephen Collins as its Chief Operating Officer, marking a new chapter of expansion and strategic growth.
New models on the horizon include the BYD Atto 1 (Seagull), Atto 2 small SUV, Sealion 5 mid-size PHEV, and the Sealion 8 seven-seat SUV. Additionally, the Denza lineup will arrive in Australia with two powerful plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs — the B5 PHEV (rivaling Toyota Prado) and the B8 PHEV (comparable to Nissan Patrol).
According to Car.News, BYD’s continued innovation, diversified lineup, and aggressive global expansion strategy have firmly established it as the new global leader in the EV market, ending Tesla’s long-standing reign.
