Tesla slips to second as BYD takes lead in European EV sales

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD Co. has surpassed Tesla Inc. in European EV sales for the first time, marking a major shift in the continent's rapidly evolving auto market.

According to data released by market research firm Jato Dynamics, BYD registered 7,231 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe in April 2025 — a 169% increase compared to the same month last year, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The surge propelled BYD into the top 10 EV brands on the continent, placing it ahead of Tesla, whose registrations plummeted 49% over the same period.

“Although the difference between the two car brands’ monthly sales totals may be small, the implications are enormous,” said Jato Dynamics analyst Felipe Munoz in a statement. “This is a watershed moment for Europe’s car market.”

Tesla, which had long dominated Europe’s EV segment, continued to struggle despite robust overall growth in the industry. EV registrations across Europe rose by 28% in April, driven by strong performances from other automakers. Market leader Volkswagen AG increased its battery-electric vehicle sales by 61% year-over-year, while its subsidiary Skoda more than tripled its EV registrations.

When plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are included, BYD's lead over Tesla grows even more significant. Jato reported that BYD’s total sales — combining BEVs and PHEVs — soared by 359% in April, cementing its rapid rise in the European market.

Tesla’s slump in Europe mirrors its declining performance in China, where the company has now seen sales fall for seven consecutive months. Analysts point to intensifying competition from domestic rivals, with BYD leading the charge.

In Spain, Tesla's April sales dropped 36% year-on-year to 571 new vehicles. Similarly, in March, Tesla’s overall European sales declined by 28.2% compared to the previous year, despite a 23.6% increase in battery-electric vehicle sales across the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova