BYD sells more EVs than Tesla in Europe for the first time
May 22, 2025 7:42 AM ET By: Clark Schultz, SA News Editor
BYD Company ( OTCPK:BYDDF) ( OTCPK:BYDDY) sold more electric vehicles in Europe than Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) for the first time in its history, according to data from Jato Dynamics. The Chinese automaker registered 7,231 vehicles during April, which was up 169% year-over-year and slightly higher than Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) tally for the same month.
Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) registrations were estimated to have fallen 49% year-over-year in April amid the Model Y changeover and persistent backlash against Elon Musk for interfering with European politics. The Austin-based company has seen sales in Europe fall dramatically in 2025, despite an overall rise in the EV market.
"Although the difference between the two car brands’ monthly sales totals may be small, the implications are enormous," stated Jato Dynamics analyst Felipe Munoz. "This is a watershed moment for Europe's car market," he added.
Volkswagen ( OTCPK:VLKAF) led Europe in battery-electric registrations in April, followed by BMW (BMWYY), Skoda, Audi, Renault SA ( OTCPK:RNSDF) ( OTCPK:RNLSY), Kia ( OTCPK:HYMTF), Mercedes-Benz ( OTCPK:MBGAF), Volvo ( OTCPK:VLVOF), and Hyundai ( OTCPK:HYMTF), per Jato Dynamics.
Earlier in the week, BYD Company ( OTCPK:BYDDF) introduced the Dolphin Surf to the European market. The introduction of the new low-cost EV is seen as a significant development in the sector. The Dolphin Surf, BYD's ( OTCPK:BYDDF) tenth model for the European market, is priced aggressively, with promotional offers starting at €19,990 and standard pricing beginning at €22,950 for a version with a 322-kilometer range, rising to €24,990 for a model capable of 507 kilometers.
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