April 2025 marked a watershed moment in the European electric vehicle (EV) market as BYD outsold Tesla for the first time ever.
According to JATO Dynamics, BYD registered 7,231 battery-electric vehicles, narrowly surpassing Tesla’s 7,165 registrations.
This shift comes despite EU-imposed tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, which were expected to hinder BYD’s growth. However, the company’s aggressive expansion strategy and diversified lineup – including plug-in hybrids – helped it navigate trade barriers and maintain momentum.
Tesla, on the other hand, has faced declining sales, with its European registrations dropping 49% year-over-year. Production delays, protests against CEO Elon Musk, and consumer hesitation over new Model Y trims have contributed to the slump.
BYD’s success signals a changing landscape in Europe’s EV market. With its Hungarian production plant set to open soon, the company is poised for further growth.
Presumably now, Tesla must reassess its strategy to regain dominance in a market it once ruled.
As competition intensifies, European consumers will benefit from greater EV choices, potentially driving further innovation in the industry