Chinese company BYD has revolutionized the global automotive industry, taking the top spot in electric vehicle sales and even outpacing industry giant Tesla. In the past year, BYD sold over two million fully electric cars—a figure that, until recently, seemed out of reach even for the market’s most ambitious players. In contrast, Tesla saw a decline: its result was 1.63 million vehicles, 8.5% less than a year earlier. In December alone, BYD sold nearly as many cars as Tesla did in the entire last quarter.
The main driver behind BYD’s success is its aggressive push into overseas markets. In November alone, the company exported nearly 132,000 passenger vehicles—several times more than it did the previous year. Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia have become key arenas for the Chinese brand, which is now setting its own terms on the global stage.
Records and ambitions
In Spain, BYD has firmly established itself as a leader: in December, the brand took first place in electric vehicle sales with a market share of almost 20%. Over the year, sales grew fivefold, and the total number of registered cars reached 25,500. This pushed the brand into the top 10 most popular makes among private buyers—a milestone that not long ago seemed unattainable for a Chinese manufacturer.
In November, BYD delivered nearly half a million electrified vehicles to the market, including both passenger cars and commercial machinery. The most impressive growth was seen in the bus and truck segment, where sales nearly doubled compared to last year. This surge shows that BYD has no plans to slow down and is ready to challenge even the most established players in the industry.
Next-generation models
Special attention is drawn to the BYD Dolphin—a compact electric car that sold over a million units in a record short time. This vehicle combines an affordable price, modern design, and impressive range: in urban driving, it can travel up to 559 kilometers on a single charge. In China, the Dolphin became a real hit, and its popularity in Europe is rapidly growing.
BYD is already developing the second generation of this model, promising even greater range, faster charging, and improved performance in cold climates. This approach to expanding the model line allows the company to consistently stay ahead of competitors and maintain customer interest.
Focus on technology
Among the latest releases is the updated BYD Sealion 06 crossover, which has replaced the popular Seal U. The new SUV is larger and more powerful, measuring almost five meters in length and equipped with an electric motor producing 362 horsepower. Buyers can choose between two battery options: the base version offers a range of 620 kilometers, while the top version can travel up to 710 kilometers on a single charge.
The most surprising part is the price. In China, the base model costs just 17,500 euros, making the Sealion 06 one of the most affordable electric crossovers with such range. Compared to its European and American competitors, this almost feels like a challenge: BYD clearly aims to capture the mass market by offering maximum technology for minimum money.
Global shift
The electric vehicle market is undergoing a true revolution. In 2025, sales of electrified cars in Spain almost doubled, with their market share reaching 18%. Over 26,000 electric vehicles were sold in December alone—no longer a niche product but a mainstream phenomenon. Alternative powertrains now account for more than half of all new car sales.
The head of the Spanish Automakers Association notes that just a few years ago these figures would have seemed like science fiction. Now, electric vehicles are becoming a routine part of city life, and competition between manufacturers is reaching a new level. Chinese brands, especially BYD, are setting a pace that will be difficult for European companies to match.
If you didn’t know, BYD (Build Your Dreams) is the largest Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries, founded in 1995. The company started by producing batteries for mobile phones, but by 2003 had entered the automotive market. Today, BYD holds a leading position worldwide in the production of electric vehicles, hybrids, and commercial transport, and is actively investing in energy storage technologies and solar energy. The brand is present in more than 70 countries and continues to expand its presence on every continent.
