Latest data shows that in the fiercely competitive European market, where automakers vie for dominance, BYD is engaging in a head-to-head battle with Tesla through aggressive sales performance, quietly reshaping the landscape of Europe’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market and emerging as the preferred brand for European consumers.
In April 2025, BYD outperformed Tesla across core European markets including Spain, Italy, France, the UK, and Germany. Looking at Europe’s 14 major markets as a whole, BYD sold 11,123 vehicles in April, far surpassing Tesla’s 6,253 units.
Germany
According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), new EV registrations in April surged by 53.5% year-on-year. Tesla’s sales in Germany plummeted 45.9% to 885 units, while BYD sold 1,566 vehicles in the same month. Year-to-date, BYD’s cumulative sales in Germany reached 2,792 units.
United Kingdom
BYD’s market share in the UK continues to grow, with April sales skyrocketing 654% year-on-year to 2,511 units. In contrast, Tesla’s sales dropped 62% to 512 units.
Spain
Data from YesAuto reveals Tesla’s April sales in Spain fell 36% compared to 2024, landing at 571 units, while BYD surged to 1,545 units. Year-to-date, BYD’s sales in Spain have grown by 644%.
Italy
In April, BYD became Italy’s top-selling NEV brand with 1,683 registrations (11.5% market share), dwarfing Tesla’s 446 units. From January to April 2025, BYD’s cumulative sales in Italy hit 5,646 units, capturing 10% of the market.
Denza’s European Debut
Denza, BYD’s luxury subsidiary, held its European launch event in Milan, Italy, unveiling the flagship Z9GT — the world’s first model equipped with the Yi Tri-motor Platform. The car showcased groundbreaking features like Yi Tri-motor Parking, 180km/h High-Speed Tire Blowout Stability Control, Extreme Steering, Compass U-Turn, and CrabWalk Mode, wowing attendees.
Industry Reactions
Tesla: Struggling with delayed Cybertruck deliveries and slumping sales.
Local OEMs: Scrambling to counter BYD’s tech and cost advantages.
Social Media
“BYD badges lighting up German streets brighter than Christmas trees!”
“UK drivers are ditching Tesla for the Han EV—once you go BYD, you never go back!”
“Musk, where’s that Cybertruck? Asking for a friend…”
Final Take: BYD’s blend of cutting-edge tech, aggressive pricing, and relentless expansion is rewriting Europe’s NEV playbook. The “volume king” isn’t just competing—it’s conquering.
