BYD's overseas sales double, over 1 million cars sold in Q1

BYD just recorded its best first quarter ever. The company's overseas sales have doubled in the first three months of 2025, thanks to the significant expansion beyond China. With a diverse lineup ranging from budget-friendly EVs to high-performance luxury models, BYD is beginning to challenge established automakers worldwide.

In March alone, BYD sold 377,420 new energy vehicles (NEVs) globally, a category that includes both plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars. Of those sales, 166,110 were pure electric vehicles, while 205,310 were plug-in hybrids. Overall, the company's sales increased by 23% compared to the same period last year.

For the first quarter of 2025, BYD's total NEV sales surpassed one million units (including commercial vehicles), a 60% jump from the previous year. 416,388 were battery-powered EVs, which represents a 39% increase compared to the Q1 of the last year. The overall percentage of all-electric vehicles sold by BYD has gone down, though - plug-in hybrids and EREVs took nearly 48% of all sales.

BYD's key strategy is offering affordable EVs. And a lot of them. Take the Seagull, known as the Dolphin Mini in some markets and priced around $10,000 in China. This low-cost approach has helped BYD snatch a significant market share.

But the company is also expanding into high-end segments with a recent launch of the Yangwang U7, an ultra-luxury electric sedan. The U7 has four electric motors producing 1,287 horsepower, and as a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. It also offers a driving range of up to 447 miles on the CLTC cycle.

BYD's overseas sales are a major driver of its growth. The company sold 72,723 vehicles outside of China in March alone, and over 206,000 in the first quarter. That's a 110% increase compared to the previous year. BYD is actively expanding in Europe, introducing models like the Sealion 7 midsize SUV and the Atto 2. The company also plans to launch the Dolphin Surf (Seagull) in Europe, targeting the budget-friendly EV market. Industry analysts predict that BYD's European sales could double this year, potentially reaching 400,000 units by 2029.

BYD's ambitious growth targets include selling 5.5 million vehicles globally in 2025, which would place the company in direct competition with major automakers. BYD wants to sell over 800,000 EVs overseas this year, doubling its 2024 figures.

Via