Domestic NEVs gaining traction

As China's BYD becomes the world's largest seller of battery electric vehicles, the milestone signals not merely a reshuffling of global rankings, but the growing role of Chinese automakers in expanding access to advanced, high-quality electric mobility worldwide, a senior industry expert said.

"Backed by bountiful feedback from the vast domestic market, robust supply chains and accumulated technological capabilities, Chinese automakers are well positioned to offer higher-quality service to more consumers around the globe," said Zhang Hong, a senior NEV industry expert at the China Automobile Dealers Association.

Zhang's comment came as BYD recently overtook United States-based Tesla to become the world's top EV seller by recording annual sales of battery EVs of 2.26 million, up 28 percent year-on-year.

In contrast, according to official data released by Tesla on Friday, the US automaker delivered 1.64 million vehicles worldwide in 2025, down 8.6 percent from 1.79 million in 2024.

Zhang said this switch is primarily underpinned by the fast-developing domestic market for NEVs.

"From cities to rural areas, from first-tier cities to third — and fourth-tier ones, and from entry-level models to high-end luxury vehicles, domestic consumer demand today is highly diversified and fast growing," Zhang said.

Data from the Ministry of Public Security showed that in the first half of 2025, 5.62 million NEVs were newly registered, up 27.86 percent year-on-year, which was a record high as NEVs accounted for 45 percent of all new vehicle registrations during that period.

"Such large-scale demand enables automakers to accumulate extensive experience in research and development, manufacturing and marketing while serving different market segments, allowing them to better adapt to the diverse needs of global markets," Zhang added.

Beyond accumulated market edge, Chinese brands are also pushing a broader shift in the industry from rigid feature tiering to wider accessibility.

By bringing advanced intelligent driving systems and fast-charging technologies — once reserved for premium models — into mid — and lower-priced vehicles, they are redefining consumer expectations, the expert said.

For instance, BYD recently told investors it is continuing to roll out its God's Eye advanced driver assistance system across its entire vehicle lineup. Covering parking, driving and safety models, the technology now comes as standard on models priced from around 100,000 yuan ($14,320), sparing consumers from paying hefty premiums for essential smart features.

"This (wider accessibility of technology) has prompted consumers to reassess what 'value for money' really means — shifting away from a sole focus on low prices toward a more balanced evaluation of overall performance and cost," Zhang said.

The expert added that the breakthroughs by Chinese brands in battery technologies, plug-in hybrid systems and ADAS (advanced driver-assistance system) driving have also accelerated the pace of technological upgrading across the global auto industry, driving worldwide players to meet the growing challenge from emerging Chinese competitors.

"This intensifying technology race has lifted the industry's overall innovation bar, ultimately benefiting consumers through wider access to more advanced automotive technologies," he noted.

lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn