BYD Reaches 1 Million EVs And Hybrids in Q1 Sales

BYD has been making waves across the global automotive market, and March 2025 proved to be another milestone for the Chinese automotive giant. Not only did the brand hit a significant sales mark globally, but it also continues to gain serious traction in Australia, where it’s quickly becoming a household name in the electric vehicle (EV) scene.

Let’s break down BYD's March success and its impact both globally and right here in Australia.

▶️MORE: What BYD electric cars are coming to Australia?

Global Sales Surge

March 2025 was a massive month for BYD, with the company delivering 377,420 vehicles globally. This brings their first-quarter total to over 1 million units, which is a huge milestone, especially when considering their aggressive expansion into international markets, including Australia.

• Total March Sales: 377,420 NEVs (New Energy Vehicles), up 24.78% compared to March 2024.
• Year-to-Date Global Sales: 1,000,804 vehicles, representing a 59.81% increase year-on-year.

▶️MORE: BYD Overtakes Tesla in Global Sales

BYD’s success is driven not just by electric vehicles (BEVs) but also by plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which continue to be a significant part of the brand’s strategy. The Shark 6, for example, has generated buzz in Australia as the first plug-in hybrid ute on the market.

Here’s how the global numbers stack up for BYD:

The global numbers tell a compelling story. BYD’s commitment to electrification is paying off, and it’s clear that the world is waking up to the brand’s impressive line-up of EVs and PHEVs. With over 11.6 million electric vehicles sold since its inception, BYD is undoubtedly one of the most influential players in the global EV market today.

▶️MORE: Australia’s EV Market Set or Massive Growth in 2025

Australian Market Update: BYD’s Growing Presence Down Under

The Australian EV market continues to surge ahead with BYD is at the forefront of this change. Just a few days ago, BYD announced that it had crossed the 40,000 vehicle sales mark in Australia. Considering the company only entered the market three years ago, this is an impressive feat. They are rapidly expanding their line-up with vehicles like the BYD Shark 6 (Australia's first PHEV ute) and the Dolphin Essential (the most affordable EV in Australia, starting at just $29,990).

▶️MORE: What BYD Cars Are Coming To Australia in 2025

In the recent March sales results, BYD sold 4811 vehicles, up 196.6% year-on-year, making it the 7th best selling brand in Australia. The BYD Shark 6 sold 2810 units, making it the 6th best selling car overall.

Expect BYD’s Australian sales to keep soaring in 2025, with projections suggesting the company could hit another milestone of 40,000 vehicles sold this year. This is a big leap for a brand that’s only just begun its journey in Australia. For EV enthusiasts in Australia, the momentum BYD is gaining is a clear sign that the country is on track to meet its electrification goals, thanks in part to the brand’s diverse, budget-friendly options.

The Global vs. Local Perspective

BYD’s global performance in March was a mix of both record-breaking growth and steady, positive numbers. While the company continues to see impressive growth in its home market, the international expansion is equally noteworthy. With Australia increasingly becoming a priority for BYD, here’s a closer look at the figures:

What stands out? The PHEVs are now the dominant player in BYD’s global sales, making up 57.8% of the total sales compared to 42.2% of BEVs. That’s a significant shift, showing that many customers are opting for the flexibility of plug-in hybrids over fully electric models, which aligns with the broader global trend.

▶️MORE: EVs and PHEVs Break New Sales Record in Australia

How BYD Compares to Tesla

BYD’s performance is in stark contrast to Tesla’s recent struggles. While Tesla has faced sales downgrades due to the CEO’s political positions, BYD is forging ahead with its aggressive strategy to meet global EV demand. According to analysts, Tesla’s forecast for Q1 2025 has dropped dramatically from 440,000 vehicles to around 350,000-300,000 units. In contrast, BYD is continuing its strong growth, with a year-on-year increase of 59.81% in the first quarter.

▶️MORE: BYD Surpasses Tesla as Global Leader in Electric Car Sales

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As we move through 2025, BYD’s focus on innovation and expanding its line-up is expected to drive even greater sales. The company is targeting an ambitious 5.5 million vehicles globally in 2025, followed by 6.5 million in 2026. With the EV market heating up, particularly in countries like Australia, BYD is poised to become a dominant player both locally and globally.

In Australia, the arrival of more vehicles like the Shark 6 PHEV ute, the Dolphin, and other future models will continue to disrupt the market. BYD’s pricing strategy, combined with its growing reputation for quality and innovation, ensures the company remains an EV enthusiast’s dream come true.

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