Tesla just got knocked out of the top spot, at least in Europe.
In a major shift for the EV industry, Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) officially outsold Tesla in Europe last month. According to new data, BYD registered 7,231 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across Europe in April 2025, just ahead of Tesla’s 7,165 units. This marks the first time BYD has taken the lead in the European market.
That might not sound like a big gap, but it’s a big deal.
Why it matters
BYD’s rise has been fast and aggressive. Just a couple years ago, the brand was mostly known in China and had only a small footprint in Europe. But now, they’re expanding quickly—with models like the low-cost Seagull hatchback (starting at just €22,990) gaining attention across the continent. They’re also planning new production facilities in Hungary and Turkey, helping them dodge possible EU tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Meanwhile, Tesla is feeling the pressure.
Tesla’s tough month
Tesla’s April sales in Europe dropped 49% compared to the same time last year. A few things are likely behind this:
– The Model Y is due for a redesign, and production has paused
– Some buyers are holding out for cheaper trims
– Public opinion has been shifting, especially around Elon Musk’s political commentary
In short, it’s a combination of aging models, uncertainty, and strong competition.
The bigger picture
Globally, BYD has already overtaken Tesla in quarterly BEV sales. In Q1 2025, BYD held 15.4% of the global market, while Tesla dropped to 12.6%. That’s a massive swing in just a few years.
And it shows how fast this industry moves.
EV brands that were once seen as underdogs are now serious contenders. Especially those that offer value, variety, and are willing to play by local market rules—like opening regional plants and pricing cars competitively.
Whether this is a short-term dip or the start of a new era, one thing is clear: BYD isn’t just catching up. It’s already here.