For the first time, Chinese car manufacturer BYD has sold more electric vehicles for one month in Europe than Tesla.
According to a press release from Jato Dynamics, BYD sold 7,231 EVS in 28 European countries in April, only pointing to Tesla 7,165.
Although it may not seem like a huge victory, analysts say it is a big change. Felipe Munoz, a global analyst at JATO, suggested a claim that may not be a surprise to some.
“China is not only the world leader in Bevs; its automakers are also world leaders in hybrid vehicles,” Munoz explained. “In order to gain grip in Europe, its car manufacturers have responded to the threat caused by the rates, focusing on other power aggressives, such as plugins for plugins, to maintain inertia behind their global expansion plans.”
Car buyers in Europe have become more open to Chinese EVS in recent months, especially since BYD brands are priced more competitive than many local options.
Despite the EU tariffs, EV registrations made by Chinese car manufacturers in April increased by 59% in general compared to the same period of time in 2024.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s popularity in Europe continues to take a significant blow. Its sales dropped a huge 49% in the year in April, pushed to 11th place for the month of the first 25 most registered EV marks.
The April part of Tesla on the European EV market continues the rough start until 2025 for the company.
Tesla revealed a major decline in car sales in its first -quarter sales report. This happens after the widespread protests of Tesla and its dealers. Tesla Elon Musk CEO has sparked dislike, partly thanks to his participation in the US government. Some users who look at Tesla as a political statement have turned the brand for other options.
Although the marginal loss of BYD in April does not necessarily have to create problems for Tesla in the long run, this may indicate a significant shift in the overall EV market in Europe.
“Although the difference between the monthly sales of the two brands may be small, the consequences are huge,” Munoz noted.
“This is the catchment point for the car market in Europe, especially when you think Tesla has been running the European Bev market for years, while BYD has only officially started operations beyond Norway and the Netherlands in late 2022,” Munoz added.