Chinese car manufacturer BYD officially overtakes Tesla in sales of electric vehicles
Chinese automotive giant BYD has overtaken Elon Musk’s Tesla for the most sold electric vehicles (EVs) in the last three months of 2023.
BYD sold a record 526,000 battery-only vehicles globally, whereas the American manufacturer sold 484,500 in the same time period.
Tesla did sell significantly more vehicles over the whole 12-month period. However, this was the first quarter that the Chinese competitor has outpaced Tesla.
BYD concluded 2023 by being listed among the global top 10 of car sales for the first time. In the Chinese market, BYD retained its position as the best-selling car brand and manufacturer.
December saw sales of 341,043 units, a 45% increase, culminating in a total of 3,024,417 vehicles sold throughout the year, a substantial 61.9% surge from the previous year.
- RAC Charge Watch – cost of charging and EV at a public rapid charger
- The road to electric – in charts and data
- Electric cars – a definitive guide and tips for buyers
In terms of the company’s global reach, BYD's international market presence grew significantly in 2023, with exports growing by 334.2% to 242,765 units.
BYD vehicles are now available in over 70 countries on six continents.
The company’s most popular models include the SEAL, SEAL U, Dolphin, and the Han.
Through its range of vehicles, BYD has increased its standing on the global stage, evolving from leading China's EV market to becoming the top global seller at the end of the 2023.
Following its recent success, BYD stated that it will continue to accelerate the transition towards a greener future and contribute to its vision to ‘Cool the Earth by 1°C’.
Originally founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now works within a range of sectors, including electric vehicles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics.
BYD has over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India.
Would you be interested in buying a BYD EV? What are your thoughts on the company overtaking Tesla in terms of sales at the end of 2023? Leave your comments below.


Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
• FREE MOT on selected cover – worth up to £55†
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). †T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). †T&Cs apply.
You might also like

2030 ban – is it worth buying an electric car now?
A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has been brought forward. The decision has made questions about buying an EV more urgent than ever before.

Electric car charging prices at public chargers
RAC Charge Watch is the RAC's initiative that monitors the average cost of charging an electric car so that you get a fair price. Read more about it here.

EV road tax guide – how much tax do electric cars have to pay?
All you need to know about the new road tax VED rules for EVs. From road tax costs for electric cars to the new rules, this is your complete guide to taxing your EV.

Electric cars in facts, stats, and figures

FairCharge and RAC electric vehicle public charging charter
Popular in News
1
EV car batteries last longer than expected, according to new study
2
Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
3
Vaping in cars with children could be banned
4
Graduated driving licences set to be introduced in Northern Ireland
5
Quarter of drivers say they’ve suffered vehicle crime
6
More than 2,500 motorists caught drink-driving three or more times in the last 11 years
7
Government extends home EV charger grant to 2027
8
Four-in-five drivers concerned about dazzling headlights as darker evenings arrive
9
Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years
10



