There’s big news in the EV world today, but for those of us who’ve had our finger on the pulse, it’s hardly a shock.
As reported by the BBC, BYD has overtaken Tesla in global vehicle sales – and honestly, it felt like a matter of when, not if.
According to the figures, BYD delivered 526,409 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the last quarter of 2023, beating Tesla’s 484,507 deliveries. Over the full year, Tesla still leads with 1.8 million electric cars sold to BYD’s 1.57 million BEVs. But this final quarter victory is a major milestone – and it says a lot about the changing shape of the EV market.
A Global Push That’s Paying Off
BYD’s rapid growth is the result of a global push – not just in China, where they dominate, but increasingly across Europe and here in the UK. They’re smart, too. Their line-up includes not just fully electric models, but also plug-in hybrids, allowing them to appeal to a broader range of buyers. That’s a market Tesla doesn’t touch – and it’s one of the reasons BYD’s total vehicle sales are now eye-watering.
That’s a massive chunk of the market Tesla doesn’t even get near – and it’s helping BYD accelerate hard.
But numbers aside, let’s talk about the cars.
I’ve Driven a Few BYDs – And They’re Seriously Impressive
I’ve had the pleasure of driving a couple of BYDs now, and each time I’ve walked away seriously impressed. The quality is far better than you’d expect from a ‘newcomer’ brand – they don’t feel cheap, they’re packed with tech, and they look good too. The BYD Seal in particular stood out to me, and you can read my full thoughts on that below.
My Experience Behind the Wheel of 5 EVs at Everything Electric South
I also got behind the wheel again at a special BYD event in Cardiff – one of several roadshows the brand is doing to get in front of British buyers. And that’s a smart move. If you want to break into a new market, you’ve got to show up. BYD are doing just that. You can read about that Cardiff event below.
Behind the Wheel of the BYD Seal at a Special Event in Cardiff
Tesla did the same thing back in the day. That’s why you see so many Model 3s and Model Ys on our roads now – they were aggressive, innovative, and they made it easy for people to make the switch.
So, What About Tesla?
Don’t get me wrong – I still rate Tesla. The quality of their cars is very good. I used to own a Tesla Model 3 Performance myself, and it’s still one of the best-driving EVs out there. The Supercharger network, when it’s not busy, is arguably the best charging infrastructure in the world – and I’ve personally never had an issue with it.
But times are changing. Consumers now have choice. And when brands like BYD can offer high-quality cars at lower prices – often with more spec as standard – people will take notice.
There’s also been a lot of chatter about Elon Musk recently, particularly around his political views and reported alignment with Donald Trump. For some buyers, that’s a real turn-off. Personally, I don’t agree with many of Musk’s views – but I also separate the car from the man. If a Tesla still fits my needs and budget, I’m still going to consider one.
Price, Practicality, and Perception
For me, what matters when buying an EV is:
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Initial cost or lease price
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Residual value
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Range
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Charging speed
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Real-world usability
These are the factors most buyers care about – and increasingly, that’s where brands like BYD are winning.
The reality is, people are price-sensitive right now. The cost of living is high, inflation is a worry, and we’re all looking to make smart financial choices. If BYD can offer a car that feels premium but costs less, then yes, people are going to buy it. Simple.
This Is Just the Beginning
BYD overtaking Tesla in quarterly BEV sales isn’t just a headline – it’s a glimpse of the future. Tesla might still be ahead for the full year, but the market is evolving. People want quality, value, and variety – and BYD is delivering all three.
I’m not saying Tesla is finished – far from it. But competition is healthy. And from where I’m sitting, BYD is just getting started.
Note: The figures and information presented are based on the latest available data from reputable sources.
