BYD Overtakes Tesla as World's Largest EV Manufacturer
Synopsis: Dit artikel is een samenvatting van content gepubliceerd door CNBC op 1/2/2026
It's official: Chinese automaker BYD has dethroned Tesla as the world's largest seller of electric vehicles. In 2025, BYD sold 2.26 million fully electric vehicles, while Tesla delivered 1.64 million — a historic shift in the EV market. But what does this mean for Dutch buyers?
The numbers
The results speak for themselves:
| Manufacturer | EV Sales 2025 | Change vs 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| BYD | 2.26 million | +28% |
| Tesla | 1.64 million | -8% |
BYD sold approximately 600,000 more electric cars than Tesla. And that's only fully electric sales. Add BYD's plug-in hybrids (2.29 million units), and the Chinese manufacturer reaches a total of 4.5 million vehicles in 2025.
Why is Tesla declining?
Tesla's decline has multiple causes:
- Mixed reception of new models — The refreshed Model Y received varied reactions
- Increased competition — Chinese manufacturers like BYD offer similar specs for lower prices
- Reduced subsidies — The US $7,500 tax credit expired on September 30, 2025
- Political unrest — Elon Musk's political involvement creates uncertainty among some buyers
BYD's secret weapon: vertical integration
A key competitive advantage for BYD is vertical integration. The company manufactures:
- Batteries (including the renowned Blade Battery)
- Semiconductors
- Electric motors
- Many other core components
This lowers costs and makes BYD less dependent on suppliers. The result: competitive prices while maintaining margins.
What does this mean for the Netherlands?
For Dutch EV buyers, this development is interesting:
More competition = better deals
With BYD gaining ground in Europe, competition increases. This can lead to:
- Sharper prices from Tesla and other brands
- More choice in the affordable segment
- Faster innovation
BYD in the Netherlands
BYD is already active in the Dutch market with models like:
- BYD Atto 3 — Compact SUV from ~€38,000
- BYD Seal — Sporty sedan from ~€45,000
- BYD Dolphin — Affordable hatchback from ~€29,000
With the announced BYD Sealion 7 and other models, the lineup continues to expand.
Company car tax comparison
How do popular BYD models compare to Tesla for 2026 company car tax (bijtelling)?
| Model | Starting Price | Monthly Tax (22%) |
|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin | €29,990 | €550 |
| Tesla Model 3 | €40,970 | €751 |
| BYD Seal | €44,990 | €825 |
| Tesla Model Y | €44,990 | €825 |
The BYD Dolphin offers the lowest company car tax with a difference of €201 per month compared to the Tesla Model 3.
Future outlook
Tesla remains dominant in the US (where BYD sells no passenger vehicles due to 100% import tariffs), but in Europe and the rest of the world, BYD's market share is growing rapidly. For Dutch buyers, this means more choice and potentially better prices.
Compare and calculate
Curious how BYD and Tesla compare for your situation?
Share this article
Related articles
Historic: EU EV Sales Overtake Petrol for First Time
In December 2025, more electric cars were sold in the EU than petrol cars for the first time. The Netherlands achieved 40% EV market share.
NewsFord and Renault Join Forces for Affordable European EVs
Ford and Renault start partnership to build affordable electric cars for Europe. First models expected in 2028. What does this mean for Dutch buyers?
NewsTop 7 Electric Cars That Impressed in 2025
TechRadar's EV expert shares the 7 best electric cars of 2025. From Tesla Model Y to the new Kia EV4 - which are interesting for the Netherlands?