BYD Surpasses Tesla in Electric Vehicle Registrations in Europe for the First Time
In April 2025, BYD outperformed Tesla in electric vehicle registrations in Europe for the first time. Despite facing tariffs, Chinese NEVs are experiencing significant growth, indicating their strong presence in the European market. The industry continues to expand globally, with investments in new factories and logistics, positioning Chinese brands for further success.
In April 2025, a notable shift occurred in the European electric vehicle market as Chinese manufacturer BYD surpassed Tesla for the first time in monthly registrations of pure electric vehicles. According to Jato Dynamics, BYD’s registrations soared by 169% compared to the previous year, while Tesla’s figures plummeted by 49%. This overtaking event, although BYD only occupied the tenth position in overall registrations, has been deemed a significant moment—it signifies the growing influence of Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers in Europe.
Tesla, which has dominated the European market for over a decade, had long been regarded as the most popular foreign electric vehicle brand. However, the rise of Chinese brands illustrates a steady and formidable emergence in this competitive space. Over the last ten years, China has cultivated a complete industrial ecosystem that encompasses vehicle manufacturing, battery R&D, and intelligent driving systems. This robust development allows Chinese automakers, despite facing high tariffs, to capitalize on their lower costs and quicker product cycles.
Data from Jato Dynamics underline this trend; despite the European Union imposing tariffs, Chinese electric car registrations surged by 59% year-on-year in April, totaling nearly 15,300 units. This growth rate outshines the 26% increase seen among competitors from Europe, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. Furthermore, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reports that the production and sales of automobiles in China surpassed 10 million units in the first four months of 2025, with 642,000 NEVs exported, marking a remarkable 52.6% increase from the previous year.
As the year progresses, Chinese firms are ramping up their global outreach. BYD has launched operations in Switzerland, Xpeng is expanding into Bahrain, and IM Motors has initiated sales in Australia. Other manufacturers, such as Chery and SAIC, are even securing their own shipping fleets to enhance maritime logistics.
Simultaneously, these companies are bolstering their international industrial chain. For instance, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), a leading Chinese EV battery producer, recently announced a $1.2 billion investment to establish a battery plant in Indonesia. Meanwhile, BYD is readying its first production facility in Hungary, and Great Wall Motors is accelerating work on a digital auto plant in Brazil.
As these overseas plants begin operations and shipping capabilities improve alongside easing global trade tensions, there is strong potential for continued growth in Chinese auto exports, paving the way for even greater opportunities in the future.
In summary, BYD’s recent achievement in surpassing Tesla marks a significant development in the emerging dominance of Chinese NEVs in the European market. With their consistent growth, robust production capabilities, and strategic global expansion efforts, Chinese automakers are poised to increase their influence further in the automotive landscape.
Original Source: www.ecns.cn
