Tesla, dethroned! BYD officially becomes the new king of electric cars in 2025
BYD dethrones Tesla and becomes world leader in 2025
The year 2025 will go down in automotive history as the moment when the "Old Guard" of electric mobility passed the baton. For the first time in a full calendar year, Chinese giant BYD (Build Your Dreams) officially overtook Tesla to become the world's largest battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer.
The numbers of a historic victory
The final results for 2025 show a widening gap between the two rivals:
- BYD: 2.25 million 100% electric cars sold (+28% compared to 2024).
- Tesla: 1.64 million cars sold (-9% compared to 2024).
While Tesla is facing its second consecutive annual decline, BYD has managed an aggressive expansion, supported by total control over the supply chain (producing its own "Blade" batteries) and a much more diversified model range.
Who is BYD and how did it arrive in Romania?
Although the name BYD is still new to many Romanians, the company has a history of over 20 years in battery technology. In Romania, after a discreet presence in the past focused on commercial fleets, the brand made an official debut in force in the spring of 2025.
Unlike other Chinese brands that use third-party importers, BYD entered our market directly, establishing partnerships with large retail groups (such as Țiriac Auto and DAB Auto) to ensure a service network and showrooms in key cities: Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara and Iași.
Models present on the Romanian market in 2025
The BYD range in Romania is surprisingly varied, covering segments where Tesla does not yet have an answer:
| Model | Segment | Powertrain Type | Estimated Price (incl. Subsidies) |
| BYD Dolphin Surf | Compact Hatchback | Battery Electric (BEV) | ~€19,000 |
| BYD Atto 2 | Compact SUV | Battery Electric (BEV) | ~€22,600 |
| BYD Seal | Sports Sedan | Battery Electric (BEV) | ~€37,600 |
| BYD Sealion 7 | Performance SUV | Battery Electric (BEV) | ~€40,600 |
| BYD Seal U DM-i | Family SUV | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | ~€34,100 |
BYD vs. Tesla: The Duel on Romanian Roads
In Romania, the battle is fought on two different fronts: entry price and brand perception.
1. Accessibility (BYD Advantage)
While the cheapest Tesla (Model 3) remains in the €40,000 area, BYD directly attacked the budget segment with the Dolphin Surf and Atto 2. These quickly became alternatives for customers who considered the Dacia Spring too small, but the Tesla too expensive.
2. Technology and Infrastructure (Tesla Advantage)
Tesla maintains a competitive advantage in Romania through its own network of Superchargers, which offer a much smoother charging experience than the public stations used by BYD owners. However, BYD models such as the Seal (a direct rival to the Model 3) impress with more luxurious interior finishes and real-world ranges of over 500 km.
3. Diversity (BYD Advantage)
A strong point of BYD in Romania is the Seal U DM-i model. Being a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of almost 100 km, it has attracted many Romanian buyers who are still afraid of the limited charging infrastructure outside the cities and are not ready to switch to a purely electric car.
Conclusion
The year 2025 marks the end of the era when “electric car” was synonymous only with “Tesla”. BYD has proven that it can offer cutting-edge technology at more competitive prices, and their official presence in Romania changes the rules of the game. For the Romanian consumer, this competition means better prices and more sustainable mobility options.