Chinese automaker BYD outsold Tesla in Europe’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) market for the first time in April, marking a notable shift in the regional electric vehicle (EV) landscape, according to new data from market research firm Jato Dynamics.
BYD registered 7,231 BEVs in Europe during April, a 169% increase year-on-year, placing it 10th among the top BEV brands on the continent. Tesla’s European registrations fell by 49% to 7,165 units, dropping the American EV maker to 11th place. Jato’s analysis includes vehicle registration data from 28 European countries.
See also: BYD Introduces Low-Cost Dolphin Surf EV in Europe, Starting at €22,990
“Although the difference between the two brands’ monthly sales totals may be small, the implications are enormous,” said Felipe Munoz, global analyst at Jato Dynamics. “This is a watershed moment for Europe’s car market, particularly when you consider that Tesla has led the European BEV market for years, while BYD only officially began operations beyond Norway and the Netherlands in late 2022.”
The overall European new car market remained stable in April, with total registrations at 1,078,521 units — just 1,399 more than in the same month last year.
See also: BYD Overtakes Tesla in Future Readiness Ranking Amid Rising Chinese EV Influence — IMD Report
BYD’s performance is even stronger when including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The company’s total electrified vehicle sales in Europe surged 359% year-on-year, aided by its broad and competitively priced model lineup. This rapid growth has enabled the brand to surpass several legacy European manufacturers in both BEV and PHEV segments.
Globally, BYD also moved ahead of Tesla in BEV sales in the first quarter of 2025. According to a separate report by TrendForce, BYD held a 15.4% share of global BEV sales, compared to Tesla’s 12.6%.
See also: BYD to Establish European Centre in Hungary, Creating 2,000 Jobs
In a move aimed at consolidating its European presence, BYD launched the Seagull compact EV — rebranded as the Dolphin Surf — in 15 European markets this week. It is the automaker’s 10th model available in Europe, underscoring its continued expansion in the region.
The shift reflects growing momentum for Chinese automakers in international EV markets, particularly as European consumers seek a wider range of affordable electric models amid evolving regulations and incentives.