China’s BYD poised to overtake Tesla as world’s largest EV seller

January 2, Kathmandu: Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is poised to overtake Tesla as the world’s largest seller of electric cars, signaling a significant shift in the global EV industry.

BYD said on Thursday that sales of its battery-electric vehicles jumped by nearly 28 percent in 2025, reaching more than 2.25 million units worldwide. Tesla, meanwhile, is expected to report annual sales of around 1.65 million vehicles, based on analysts’ estimates, when it releases its figures later this week.

The American company has faced a challenging year, marked by intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers, mixed reactions to new models, and public unease surrounding chief executive Elon Musk’s political activities. In an effort to revive demand, Tesla introduced lower-priced versions of its two best-selling models in the US last October, following criticism that it had been slow to expand more affordable offerings.

BYD’s rapid growth highlights the rising influence of Chinese EV brands in global markets, including South Asia. In Nepal, where electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers are becoming increasingly common due to tax incentives, lower operating costs and high fuel prices, the shift reflects changing consumer preferences. Tesla vehicles, by contrast, are not officially available in the country.

Elon Musk, already the world’s richest person, now faces pressure to significantly boost Tesla’s sales and market value in the coming years. Shareholders approved a major compensation package for Musk in November, which could eventually be worth up to one trillion US dollars if long-term performance targets are met.