BYD outsells Tesla in Europe in “watershed” moment
BYD sold more cars in Europe than Tesla for the first time in April, with the Chinese manufacturer shifting 7,231 of its EV models to 7,165 to the Elon Musk-run carmaker.
The findings were published by automotive business intelligence supplier, JATO Dynamics, whose April registration report also showed that BYD is now in the top 10 of the most-registered all-electric car brands in Europe.
Last month was another trying month for Tesla, whose total sales volumes were down by 49% from April 2024. In February 2025, Tesla sold 44% fewer vehicles on the continent than last year. Industry experts cite company owner Elon Musk’s role in President Donald Trump’s administration, and vocal support for political parties such as the right-wing AfD in Germany and Reform UK as a large factor in the brand’s troubled start to 2025.
Regarding BYD’s latest European sales figures, JATO Dynamics global analyst, Felipe Muñoz, commented: “Although the difference between the two brands’ monthly sales totals may be small, the implications are enormous.
“This is a watershed moment for Europe’s car market, particularly when you consider that Tesla has led the European BEV market for years, while BYD only officially began operations beyond Norway and the Netherlands in late 2022.”
BYD’s achievement isn’t the only positive piece of news for China’s EV industry – full EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) made up 26% of new car registrations in Europe throughout April 2025, and 17% of this figure comprised of all-electric Chinese brands; a 13.4% year-on-year increase.
In more general terms, 2025 has been positive for EVs across Europe. Over the course of the last month, a total of 184,312 were sold; 28% more than the previous year. The recently-introduced Skoda Elroq led the way, with 8,000 units.
The Volkswagen Group’s positive trajectory continued with the VWs ID.3, ID.7, and ID.4 ranking, second, third, and fourth respectively in terms of the most registered EVs. The Elroq’s larger sibling, the Škoda Enyaq was ninth.
