BYD outperforms Tesla across Europe

BYD has surpassed Tesla in European vehicle registrations for the first time, reporting 101,221 units sold across the EU, UK, and EFTA markets during January–April 2026. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), BYD’s sales grew by 143.9% year-on-year, outpacing Tesla’s 89,429 registrations, which rose by 45.8%. Within the EU alone, BYD’s registrations jumped 152.9% to 71,863 units, capturing a 1.9% market share, while Tesla’s 67,389 units gave it a 1.8% share. The surge in BYD’s sales reflects broader growth in the European electric vehicle (EV) market, where battery electric registrations climbed 33.8% to 746,899 units, increasing market share from 15.3% to 19.7%. The data underscores BYD’s rapid expansion, reinforced by its win at the 2026 AM Awards for Manufacturer of the Year in the UK. Chinese automakers collectively strengthened their presence, with Chery (including Omoda and Jaecoo) up 338% to 94,456 units, SAIC Motor (MG brand) up 10.3% to 110,327 units, and Leapmotor surging 582.2% to 32,963 units. Geely Group, which owns Volvo Cars, Polestar, and Zeekr, delivered 138,429 registrations, a 4.8% increase. Overall, the European new car market grew 4.8% in the first four months of 2026, reaching 4.67 million units. Battery electric vehicles remained the fastest-growing powertrain, while petrol and diesel registrations continued to decline. The data highlights the intensifying competition in Europe’s EV sector, with Chinese brands gaining significant ground against traditional manufacturers.