BYD Surpasses Tesla in Europe EV Sales

In April 2025, Chinese automaker BYD outsold Tesla in European battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales for the first time, registering 7,231 vehicles versus Tesla's 7,165, according to JATO Dynamics. This milestone reflects a 28% year-over-year increase in European BEV registrations, largely driven by Chinese brands despite new EU tariffs. BYD's growth is credited to aggressive expansion, competitively priced models like the Dolphin Surf, and diversification into plug-in hybrids to meet regulatory demands. Tesla's European sales dropped 49% from the previous year, with analysts citing its aging lineup and CEO Elon Musk's divisive political actions as factors. While Tesla remains strong in other regions, its market share in Europe is declining in favor of more affordable, updated competitors. The EV segment's rapid evolution is reshaping the European automotive landscape for both legacy and new manufacturers.