20 May 2025
In the vibrant realm of the electric vehicle (EV) market, **Chinese brands have emerged as dominating forces**, showing remarkable performance in the first quarter of 2025. But did every marque share in the prosperity? Join Autovista24 editor **Tom Geggus** as he explores the latest EV Volumes data to unearth the facts.
Electric Vehicle Sales Surge
Between January and March 2025, combined sales of **battery-electric vehicles (BEVs)** and **plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)** skyrocketed, culminating in an astounding 4.3 million EV deliveries. This marks a staggering **34.9% year-on-year growth**!
The global EV market hit the ground running in January with **sales jumping 22.1%**. February blew the doors off expectations, showcasing a **49.9% surge** compared to the previous year. March continued the momentum as **deliveries rose by 35.1%**. These results underscore an invigorating first quarter, despite a minor change in the overall powertrain mix.
Notably, **BEVs claimed 63.7%** of all EV sales, a notable increase from 62.4% in Q1 2024. Consequently, the **PHEV segment’s share** dipped to **36.3%**. But which brands claimed the spotlight in these astonishing sales figures?
Chinese Brands Dominate the Market
In a striking display of market influence, Chinese brands occupied **six of the top ten positions** in global EV sales. At the forefront, **BYD** commanded a market share of **19.6%**, totaling **844,052 deliveries**—a remarkable **4.1% increase** from last year.
Yet, despite this impressive performance, **BYD’s market dominance faced challenges**. The brand’s share fell from **25.4%** in Q1 2024, a dip reflecting **increased competition** within an already crowded marketplace.
As part of its strategy to maintain its foothold, BYD plans to introduce an affordable **BEV model** in China. The upcoming **e7 saloon** is poised to start at approximately ¥103,800 (€12,800). This strategy aims to solidify BYD’s market position in China, while **exporting half of its vehicles outside the country by 2030** is also on the horizon.
Expansions into regions like Europe and Latin America are imminent, backed by **localized supply and value chains**. BYD plans to establish a European centre in **Hungary**, aiming to create **2,000 local jobs** and position itself ahead of competitors.
This growth will also see the enhancement of their European leasing partnership with Ayvens, expanding into **11 new markets** across Europe.
Tesla Faces Stiff Competition
Holding strong in second place, **Tesla** remains a key player in the EV landscape, despite selling only BEVs. However, it witnessed a decline in market share, falling **4.2pp to 7.8%** with a year-on-year delivery drop of **12.5%**, totaling **337,697 units**.
Drive sales mainly stemmed from the popular **Model Y** and **Model 3**, achieving deliveries of **201,773** and **118,964** respectively. However, the much-anticipated **Cybertruck** has struggled, posting only **7,755 sales**—a stark contrast to its hype. Since reaching its peak in December 2024, sales figures have diminished month on month.
**Geely** clinched third place, with a remarkable **274.6% growth in deliveries**, totaling **244,262 units**. The brand recently established an agreement to launch new energy vehicles in Poland, further solidifying its European presence.
**Wuling**, with its Baojun deliveries, secured fourth place, recording sales growth of **45%** to **166,417 EVs**, with the **Wuling Mini** emerging as their best-seller at **89,185 units** delivered.
BMW Leads European EV Charge
Taking the fifth spot, **BMW** marks the first European brand in the top ten, increasing sales by **5.7%** to **132,987 units**. However, even with this growth, its market share dipped from **3.9% to 3.1%** due to the fierce competition from Chinese brands.
Recent developments include testing **solid-state battery** technology for enhanced BEV ranges without added weight, collaborating closely with Solid Power.
**Volkswagen (VW)** followed in sixth place, experiencing a **55.4% growth** in EV volumes with **131,637 units sold**. Its **ID.4** model was a standout performer.
The Rise of Chinese Brands
Ranked seventh, **Chery** showcased an impressive **188.1% growth** with **103,091 sales**, enhancing its market share to **2.4%**. The **Chery Fengyun T6 PHEV** stood out, leading their sales.
**Li Auto** followed in eighth place with an 11% increase, tallying **98,709 units** despite a slight drop in its overall market share.
In ninth place, **Xpeng** surged with a **321.7% increase**, reaching **96,663 units** sold, primarily driven by its **M03 model**. Last but not least, **Mercedes-Benz** secured the tenth spot, experiencing a **5.4% decline** with **90,228 units** sold.
