Tesla’s Model Y became China’s best-selling SUV in May, registering 24,770 new units, narrowly surpassing rivals including BYD’s Song Plus and Geely’s Xingyue L, according to insurance data compiled by China EV DataTracker.
The Tesla Model Y reclaimed the top spot after a second-place finish in April, when it trailed the Song Plus by just 684 units. BYD’s Song Plus followed closely behind in May with 24,240 units registered, while Geely’s gasoline-powered Xingyue L took third with 21,014 units, as reported by Car News China.
In the first five months of 2025, Tesla registered 126,643 Model Y units in China, leading the Song Plus with 110,551 and BYD’s Song Pro with 80,245 units. Despite the Model Y’s premium pricing, the vehicle continues to perform strongly in one of the world’s most competitive electric vehicle markets.
While Tesla’s Model Y has maintained its position as a top performer, the company’s broader figures in China show signs of strain. Tesla delivered 38,588 vehicles in May, marking a 30% drop from the same period last year. Between January and May, cumulative deliveries reached 201,926 units, down 7.8% year-over-year. The decline has been attributed partly to production transitions related to the updated Model Y.
Tesla’s export activity from its Shanghai Gigafactory also slowed, with 90,949 vehicles shipped from January to May, a 33.4% year-over-year decrease. However, May alone saw a 33% increase in exports, totaling 23,074 units.
China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market, which includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), continues to expand rapidly. Total NEV sales reached 1.02 million in May, up 28% year-over-year, with BEVs accounting for 607,000 units—an increase of 22.4%.
“Considering the fierce competition in China’s BEV market, the Model Y’s rise to the top spot is noteworthy,” Car News China stated.