- BYD surpasses Tesla in EV sales, with 526,000 vehicles sold last quarter.
- BYD’s success highlights its strength and challenges traditional automakers in the growing EV market.
- With strategic pricing, BYD claims the “world champion” title for “new energy vehicles,” boasting 3 million annual sales, notably in Europe.
BYD overtakes Tesla: the rise of a Chinese EV titan and the EV industry’s shift
In a historic shift, BYD has dethroned Tesla as the world’s leading EV maker, outpacing it in deliveries for the last quarter.
Tesla delivered 484,000 cars in the fourth quarter, surpassing analysts’ expectations of 473,000. However, this wasn’t enough to retain its top spot, as BYD reported a groundbreaking 526,000 sales of battery-only vehicles during the same period.
BYD’s lead marks the ascent of a once-obscure Chinese group, dismissed by Musk a decade ago. While predominantly growing in its home turf with backing from Warren Buffett, BYD is now setting its sights on expanding into new foreign markets, notably in Europe.
Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said BYD’s electric cars were;
“becoming increasingly visible on European roads thanks to keen pricing.”
BYD’s triumph over Tesla underscores the challenge faced by traditional automakers in the US, Europe, Japan, and Korea as they grapple with adapting to swiftly changing consumer preferences favouring more affordable and intelligent electric vehicles.
In a bold statement, the Shenzhen-based group proudly dubbed itself the “world champion” for “new energy vehicles”, achieving a remarkable total annual sales figure exceeding 3 million in 2023 (plug-in hybrid cars).
Over the past year, BYD has capitalised on price reductions triggered by Tesla’s pursuit of market share, prompting consumers to explore China’s more budget-friendly models.
Tu Le, founder of Beijing-based advisory company Sino Auto Insights, said;
“For any doubters left in the west, I hope this is the final data point that points to BYD’s strength and, as importantly, how ‘China EV Inc’ has bullied its way on to the global stage.”
Backed by extensive state support and strategic planning, Chinese players, including BYD, now dominate the EV scene. BYD’s vertically integrated structure controls everything from mines to battery and chip production, putting them ahead of foreign rivals as the industry transitions away from combustion engines. As this transition accelerates, their mastery of the entire production chain becomes a strategic advantage, shaping the trajectory of the EV market in the years to come.
