BYD reported a modest increase in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales in May, ending eight consecutive months of year-on-year declines as strong overseas demand helped offset continued weakness in China’s domestic market.
The company sold 383,453 NEVs in May, up 0.3% from a year earlier and 19.4% higher than in April, according to figures released on Monday.
Despite the improvement in monthly performance, BYD’s cumulative sales for the first five months of the year totaled 1.41 million vehicles, down 20.3% from the same period in 2025.
Overseas Sales Reach Record High
International markets remained the strongest contributor to growth during the month.
BYD’s overseas sales climbed to a record 160,644 vehicles in May, an increase of 80.4% from a year earlier. Overseas deliveries accounted for approximately 42% of the company’s total NEV sales during the month.
In contrast, domestic sales remained under pressure. BYD sold 222,809 vehicles in China in May, down 24.1% year-on-year, although the figure represented an improvement from earlier months.
The export performance underscores the growing importance of international markets for Chinese automakers as competition intensifies at home.
Mixed Performance Across Powertrains
Passenger vehicle sales totaled 376,990 units in May, broadly unchanged from the same month last year and up 20.0% from April.
Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached 198,674 units, down 2.8% year-on-year but up 26.6% month-on-month.
Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales rose 3.3% from a year earlier to 178,316 units and increased 13.5% from April.
BYD’s commercial NEV business also recorded growth during the month, with sales rising 16.5% year-on-year to 6,463 units.
Production Transition Weighs on Deliveries
The company has been managing production challenges linked to a major battery technology upgrade.
BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu previously said the automaker was facing pressure from battery production constraints as it transitions from its first-generation Blade Battery to a new generation featuring flash-charging capability.
The production line overhaul affected delivery schedules for several models, particularly within the premium Fang Cheng Bao brand.
Deliveries of the Tai 3 flash-charging SUV were delayed from April into May as the company worked to increase production capacity.
According to BYD, the gradual completion of production upgrades during May is expected to ease supply constraints and support stronger deliveries in the coming months.