The electric vehicle (EV) market is buzzing with surprises! In April 2025, Geely zoomed past Tesla to claim the #2 spot in global EV brand sales, while BYD continues to dominate. Let’s break down the latest trends in the world of electric cars, based on CleanTechnica’s report, and see who’s charging ahead in the race for EV supremacy.
Geely’s Meteoric Rise in EV Sales
Geely is stealing the spotlight! With a record-breaking 94,510 plugin vehicle deliveries in April, this Chinese automaker is closing in on BYD’s throne. Geely’s success comes from its strong lineup in China and growing exports to markets like Southeast Asia. It’s now nipping at Tesla’s heels, surpassing the U.S. giant in monthly sales. Could Geely be the next EV king?
Meanwhile, BYD remains untouchable at #1, tripling Geely’s sales with its massive portfolio of electric and plugin hybrid vehicles. In fourth place, Wuling holds strong, followed by legacy giants Volkswagen (#5) and BMW (#6), who are battling to be the top traditional automaker in the EV space.
Standout Performers and Surprises
The April rankings brought some exciting twists:
- Xpeng (#8) saw a jaw-dropping 273% year-over-year growth, showcasing China’s EV innovation.
- Toyota (#10) hit a record high, thanks to strong sales in China and Europe, though its home market in Japan lags behind.
- Denza (#19) shone with 17,822 sales, driven by its new N9 SUV and D9 MPV exports to Southeast Asia.
- Skoda (#20) joined the top 20 with a record 17,326 units, fueled by the Enyaq and new Elroq models.
These shifts show how dynamic the EV market is, with new players and legacy brands vying for a slice of the pie.
Top OEMs: BYD Leads, Volkswagen Gains
When it comes to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), BYD holds a commanding 24.7% market share, up from 24.2% last month. Geely follows at #2 with 11.3%, gaining ground after a 3% jump since late 2024. Tesla, at 7.6%, slipped by 0.6% and now faces pressure from Volkswagen Group (#4, 7.4%), which is just 10,000 units behind. Could Volkswagen overtake Tesla by year-end?
Other OEMs to watch include BMW Group (3.6%) and Changan (3.6%), neck-and-neck for #6, and Hyundai–Kia (3.4%), steadily climbing the ranks.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Geely Edges Out Tesla
In the pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) category, Geely made headlines by overtaking Tesla for the #2 spot with 11.6% market share, while BYD leads at 16.7%. Tesla, down to 11.4%, is likely to rebound in June, but its dominance is fading. Volkswagen Group (8%) and Hyundai–Kia (4.1%) are also gaining traction, showing the BEV market is more competitive than ever.
What’s Next for the EV Market?
The EV race is heating up! Geely’s surge, BYD’s dominance, and Volkswagen’s gains signal a shift in the global market. With brands like Leap Motor, Toyota, and AITO climbing the ranks, and Skoda emerging as a contender, the coming months promise more surprises. Will Tesla hold its ground, or will new players reshape the leaderboard?
Stay plugged in for the latest EV trends and see how the global market evolves in 2025!
