BYD Sealion 7 Overtakes Tesla Model Y In Australia

The BYD Sealion 7 has once again claimed the top spot in Australia’s monthly electric vehicle sales, overtaking the Tesla Model Y for the second time this year.

July saw 1,427 deliveries of the Sealion 7, almost triple the 555 units recorded for the Model Y. This marks a notable win for BYD, given the Sealion 7 only arrived in Australian showrooms six months ago.

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EV Market Snapshot – July 2025

Overall, Australia’s EV market grew 7.1% in July compared to the same month last year. The growth came despite Tesla facing one of its steepest monthly declines, falling 64.6% year-on-year.

BYD, on the other hand, posted a 158% year-on-year sales increase. This follows its record-breaking June, where it became the first Chinese automaker to enter Australia’s top five overall car brands.

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Price and Specs: Most Affordable Plug-In …

Year-to-Date EV Leaders (January–July 2025)

Note: July sales for Kia EV5 and MG 4 not disclosed.

▶️MORE: BYD’s Sealion 7 Now Australia’s Best‑Selling EV For July - zecar.com

A Shift in the Tesla-BYD Battle

While the Model Y still leads the year-to-date tally by 5,803 units, the Sealion 7 has been outselling Tesla’s smaller Model 3 since April. In July, BYD’s SUV outsold the Model Y and Model 3 combined, giving it the month’s clear win in the family EV segment.

Tesla’s sales momentum has been inconsistent in 2025. A strong June result suggested a rebound, but July’s figures point to ongoing challenges. Globally, Tesla recorded its first annual sales decline in 2024, with Australian sales falling 16.9% for the year.

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Monthly Sales Comparison – BYD Sealion 7 vs Tesla Model Y

Outlook

The Sealion 7’s strong showing signals growing consumer interest in BYD’s expanding Australian line-up. If the trend continues into the year’s final quarter, Tesla could see its dominance in the EV SUV segment seriously challenged.