Geely, Wuling surpass Tesla, BYD in China EV sales

Chinese automakers Geely and Wuling led EV sales in 2025, surpassing Tesla and BYD, according to a report by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center.

Geely sold over 459,000 units of its Xingyuan EV, priced between 68,800 (US$9.958) and 98,800 yuan (US$14.300), a significant increase from the previous year.

Wuling’s Hongguang Mini EV sold 427,000 units, a 55% rise year-on-year.

Tesla’s Model Y ranked third with 382,300 units sold, down nearly 21% from 2024.

BYD’s Seagull, previously the second-best seller, declined 31% to 307,000 units and dropped to fourth place.

The report noted that demand for EVs in China fell in early 2026, with January sales dropping nearly 20%.

The decline follows the end of tax incentives and increased taxes on EV purchases.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Price cuts are shaking up China’s EV sales leaders

Sales rankings shifted during a steep discount battle that regulators have tried to curb 1.
Geely climbed with incentives such as rebates up to 15,000 yuan, and it said Q3 net income rose 59% as deliveries jumped 43% 2.
BYD’s Seagull slipped in the rankings even after the Seagull Glory Edition start price fell to 69,800 yuan (about $9,700) 3.
Tesla also took hits. Model Y sales fell after new payment plans 1. Separate global data found the model’s market share dropped for a 17th straight month through July 2025 4.

China’s EV discounts are pushing prices down worldwide

Low-cost vehicles led by BYD’s Seagull, priced from about $9,700, have set a mass-market benchmark and squeezed higher-priced rivals 5 3.
Tougher conditions at home have pushed Chinese automakers to expand overseas to find growth 2.
Geely is growing in the UK and forming a joint venture with Renault in Brazil to make cars for South America 2.
BYD has started selling the Seagull in markets including Brazil and Mexico, where the model is known locally as the Dolphin Mini 3.