BYD Just Hit $100 Billion in Sales—What That Means for Tesla and the EV World

Chinese electric vehicle titan BYD just crossed the $100 billion mark in annual sales, officially overtaking Tesla for the first time in global revenue. In 2024 alone, BYD raked in $107 billion, while Tesla brought in $97.7 billion. That’s a major milestone—not just for BYD, but for the entire EV industry.

So how did they do it? And what does it mean for the future of EVs?

How BYD Pulled It Off

One word: volume.

BYD sold about 4.3 million vehicles in 2024—almost double what Tesla moved. A big chunk of that came from plug-in hybrids, which are still hugely popular in China. While Tesla sticks to fully electric cars, BYD offers both hybrids and EVs, giving drivers more flexibility and a lower entry price point.

Plus, China is BYD’s home turf. The brand dominates local streets, and their pricing is aggressive. For many consumers, BYD is the practical choice—and it shows in their numbers.

Tesla Slips, BYD Rises

Tesla isn’t exactly crashing—but it’s not soaring either.

In Europe, Tesla’s sales dropped by nearly 45% this year. Some of that dip is blamed on CEO Elon Musk’s political stances, but it’s also about timing: Tesla hasn’t launched a major new model in a while, and buyers are starting to look elsewhere.

Meanwhile, BYD’s lineup is growing fast, with new models, flashy designs, and cutting-edge tech aimed at both local and international buyers.

BYD Goes Global

BYD isn’t just crushing it at home—they’re expanding fast across the globe. They’ve raised about $6 billion to fund international growth and already have factories in Thailand and Uzbekistan. There are also plans to enter more markets, including South America and Eastern Europe.

That said, not everything has gone smoothly. A $1 billion project in Brazil hit delays over labor disputes, showing the challenges of scaling fast in new regions. BYD has responded by cutting ties with contractors and doubling down on ethics and compliance.

The Tech Battle: God’s Eye vs. Full Self-Driving

Both BYD and Tesla know EVs aren’t just about batteries—they’re about brains too.

BYD recently unveiled “God’s Eye,” a smart driving system designed to rival Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. And they’ve also introduced ultra-fast charging tech that can deliver 250 miles of range in just 5 minutes.

Tesla still has a strong lead in software integration and global charging networks, but BYD is catching up fast—and in some ways, even pushing ahead.

What This Means for EV Drivers

For EV owners and fans, this competition is a win.

More players at the top mean better vehicles, better pricing, and faster innovation. Tesla may still be the most recognizable EV brand, but BYD is showing that it’s possible to combine scale, speed, and smart tech in a big way.

Don’t be surprised if you see more BYD vehicles popping up outside of China in the next year or two. And if Tesla wants to stay on top, it might need to step on the accelerator.

Your Turn
Would you consider driving a BYD if it hit the U.S. market? Let us know in the comments—or tag us with your thoughts on Instagram or X. 👇