One popular Chinese electric car brand is starting to outsell Tesla across the UK and Europe in a major challenge to the former EV market leader. Figures show BYD is just behind Tesla on the total sales for 2025, but massively beat the marque last month.
If this form continues until the end of the year, BYD is likely to close up and pass Tesla in a major boost for the Chinese firm. BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, is one of the most popular Chinese brands, establishing itself in the UK with five models for sale. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that BYD’s Atto 3 remains the company’s best-selling model.
However, the BYD Dolphin hatchback leads sales in the retail sector showing the versatility of the model's on offer. The Chinese brand also has the Seal, Seal U DM-i, and Sealion 7 on the market.
Steve Beattie, sales and marketing director, BYD UK, said: "In the past two years, BYD has gone from strength to strength, and I’m immensely proud of the dedication of our team and retailers. Our goal is to bring high-tech, high-value cars to UK customers, and it’s fantastic to see more people choosing BYD."
According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 3,184 new BYD models were registered in July 2025. Sales made up 2.27% of total sales in the month, up from just 768 vehicles this time last year, a 0.55% market share.
So far this year, 22,574 BYD models have been registered, a staggering 514.76% increase on the same time in 2024. In comparison, 987 Tesla models were registered in July, but the American manufacturer has still shifted 23,708 models so far in 2025, just edging out BYD.
Other Chinese brands are starting to make in-roads into the UK market in recent months. Jaecoo is becoming one of the biggest new plates in the market with the brand registering 10,314 cars so far this year, up on 0 cars registered in 2024.
Omoda has also registered 8,815 vehicles from a standing start with other brands such as Leapmotor (790 cars), GWM (207 cars) and XPeng (173 cars) also making progress.