China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, has significantly outpaced Tesla in sales in Germany and the UK during April 2025, marking a strong step in its European expansion. The company’s focus on new energy vehicles (NEVs), encompassing battery electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), has driven remarkable growth in the region.

In April, BYD sold over 380,000 NEVs globally, a 21% increase from April 2024. Notably, its EVs outsold PHEVs for the first time in over a year, with 195,000 electric cars sold, reflecting a 45% year-on-year rise, compared to 176,000 PHEVs. Overseas markets contributed significantly, with BYD selling 79,000 vehicles abroad, continuing a five-month growth streak. Through April 2025, BYD’s overseas sales reached 285,000 vehicles, more than doubling from the previous year.

In Germany, Europe’s largest auto market, BYD achieved a remarkable milestone. According to the German federal road traffic agency (KBA), BYD sold 1,566 vehicles in April, a 756% surge from April 2024. In contrast, Tesla’s sales in Germany dropped by 46%, with only 855 vehicles sold. For the first four months of 2025, BYD recorded 2,791 vehicle sales in Germany, a 385% increase, while Tesla sold 5,820, down 60% from the prior year.

The UK market also saw BYD’s strong performance. Data from SMNT indicates BYD sold 2,511 vehicles in April 2025, surpassing Tesla’s 512 units. Year-to-date, BYD’s UK sales reached 11,782 vehicles, closing in on Tesla’s 12,986. BYD’s managing director for Europe, Michael Shu, emphasized the company’s momentum at the IAA: “With new models on the way, this looks to be just the start of BYD’s global sales run.”

BYD is poised for further growth with upcoming vehicle launches. The company introduced its luxury Denza brand in April and plans to release the affordable Seagull EV, rebranded as Dolphin Surf in Europe, later in 2025. Priced under ￡20,000 ($26,000), the Seagull was BYD’s top seller in China, with over 55,000 units sold in April. S&P Global Mobility forecasts BYD’s European sales to double from 83,000 units in 2024 to 186,000 in 2025, potentially reaching 400,000 by 2029.

To support its global ambitions, BYD launched the “BYD Shenzhen,” the world’s largest car transport ship, capable of carrying 9,200 vehicles. This move underscores BYD’s commitment to expanding its presence in Europe and beyond, leveraging innovative models and competitive pricing to meet growing demand.

by electrek