“The implications are considerable”: Byd exceeds Tesla in Europe with an increase of 359 % of sales in one year

In April 2025, the European electric vehicle market crossed a symbolic milestone: Tesla, long unbeatable, was style at the post by Byd. The Chinese manufacturer has recorded more 100 % electric models than its American rival, in a context of general growth in electrified registrations – despite a globally stable market. A dynamic reinforced by the fanfare arrival of the byd Dolphin Surf, electric city car at the aggressive rate.

Byd exceeds Tesla: a turning point in the history of electric in Europe

According to new data from Jato dynamics100 % electric vehicles represented 17 % of registrations in Europe in April 2025, compared to 13.4 % a year earlier. And on this segment, Byd recorded 7,231 vehicles, ahead of Tesla (7,165 units) for the first time on the continent.

Performance is all the more remarkable since Tesla accuses a drop of 49 % over a year, where Byd jumped 359 %, thanks to a wallet of widened and calibrated models for Europe. The Chinese brand has even exceeded historical manufacturers like Fiat, Seat or Dacia in several key countries.

Dolphin Surf: the electric city car that targets the heart of European cities

Launched at the end of May from € 19,990, Dolphin Surf stands out as the entry -level weapon by byd. European version of the Chinese Seagull, it offers up to 507 km of autonomy in the city (WLTP), a 10.1 -inch rotary screen, and an on -board voice interface.

With this compact city car, byd head on the ID.2, Renault 5 or other electrified city cars at € 30,000. The timing is perfect: Chinese vehicles see their market share jump (+59 % over a year), despite new European taxes. And for the moment, the rechargeable hybrids, in full swing, escape these surcharges.

A dazzling expansion strategy

“Even if the gap between the monthly sales of the two brands remains thin, the implications are considerable”Felipe Munoz analysis, global expert at Jato dynamics. “It is a pivotal moment for the European automotive market, especially when you know that Tesla has been dominating sales of electric cars for years, while Byd has officially started its operations out of Norway and the Netherlands that at the end of 2022.”

With the imminent opening of Her factory in Hungary And an ambition displayed from 186,000 units sold in Europe this year, the brand is only at the start of its offensive. There Tesla Model Yex-Reine des VE, fell by 53 % in April. The symbol is strong.

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