Tesla faces biggest challenge yet as BYD gains ground in global EV race

Tesla’s grip on the electric vehicle (EV) market is slipping, as Chinese rival BYD surges ahead with record-breaking sales.

After years of dominance, Tesla’s momentum has slowed. The company delivered 1.79 million vehicles in 2024, marking its first annual sales decline in over a decade. Price cuts meant to boost demand have instead squeezed profit margins, while competition from legacy automakers and emerging EV brands has intensified.

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Meanwhile, BYD sold 4.25 million vehicles last year—a 41% jump—with its mix of fully electric and hybrid models appealing to a wider audience. In December alone, BYD outsold Tesla by nearly 50,000 units, bringing the race for the global EV crown to its closest margin yet.

BYD’s rise poses a serious threat to Tesla

Unlike Tesla, which relies solely on EV sales, BYD benefits from government subsidies and hybrid vehicle offerings, allowing it to expand aggressively into Europe, Latin America, and other key regions. Its competitive pricing and rapidly improving battery technology have made it a formidable challenger.

December 2024 figures show BYD sold 207,734 EVs, while Tesla managed just over 160,000. At this rate, BYD could surpass Tesla in total EV sales as early as 2025.

Can Tesla Maintain Its Lead?

Tesla has responded with incentives like free charging, 0% financing, and lower lease rates, but these moves have yet to reverse its slowing growth. The company also faces a growing PR challenge, with CEO Elon Musk’s political stances becoming a polarizing factor for consumers.

A recent EV Politics Project survey of 600 consumers found that 75% agreed with the statement, “EVs are for leftists”—a perception that may be hurting Tesla’s brand appeal across demographics.

2025 will be a pivotal year. If BYD’s upward trajectory continues, Tesla could lose its status as the world’s top EV maker; a shift that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.

For consumers, this fierce competition could mean better technology, lower prices, and more options. But for Tesla, it is a fight to stay on top in an industry it once single-handedly revolutionised.