The global electric vehicle (EV) market has reached a major turning point. Chinese automaker BYD has officially overtaken Tesla to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, based on annual sales figures. This shift clearly shows how fast the EV industry is changing and how strong competition has become.
For many years, Tesla was seen as the undisputed leader in the electric car space. However, the latest data from 2025 confirms that BYD has now taken the top position, both in numbers and growth momentum.
BYD Beats Tesla in Annual EV Sales
According to Tesla’s fourth-quarter report released on Friday, Tesla delivered around 1.64 million vehicles in 2025. This number represents a nearly 9 percent decline compared to the previous year, making it the second consecutive year of falling deliveries for the American EV giant.
In contrast, BYD sold an impressive 2.26 million battery-powered electric vehicles in 2025, clearly surpassing Tesla’s total deliveries. This massive gap highlights BYD’s strong market presence and rapidly growing customer base.
Key comparison at a glance:
- Tesla EV deliveries in 2025: 1.64 million units
- BYD battery-powered EV sales in 2025: 2.26 million units
- Result: BYD becomes the world’s largest EV maker
Also read: Toyota Innova Crysta to be Discontinued in 2027 Due to Tough CAFÉ Norms
Strong Growth Drives BYD to the Top
BYD’s rise is not accidental. The company’s success is mainly driven by the rapid growth of its electric vehicle segment. In 2025, BYD’s battery-powered EV sales jumped by nearly 28 percent, which played a major role in boosting its overall performance.
When all vehicle types are included, BYD recorded a total growth of 7.73 percent in new car deliveries last year. This growth shows that the brand is not only strong in EVs but also stable as an overall automaker.
Unlike Tesla, which focuses only on electric vehicles, BYD manufactures both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. This diversified approach helps the company balance risks and maintain consistent sales across different markets.