The key facts
- In September, Tesla increased EU registrations by 78.6% to 45,866 cars, BYD by 111.4% to 28,309.
- For January–September, BYD is ahead of Tesla: 206,002 versus 188,035 registrations.
- The growth comes against a low comparison period: in January 2025, Tesla sales in the EU fell by 50.3%.
September growth in the EU
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), in September Tesla registered 45,866 new cars in the European Union, up from 25,681 a year earlier — a 78.6% increase. Its market share grew from 2.9% to 4.7%. Chinese BYD increased registrations by 111.4% — to 28,309 cars from 13,391, raising its share from 1.5% to 2.9%. The figures cover all new passenger cars, not only electric vehicles.
BYD ahead over nine months
Despite Tesla's higher September result, BYD retains the lead in cumulative registrations for January–September. The Chinese manufacturer increased its sales in the EU by 154.4% — to 206,002 units, while Tesla added 68.9% to 188,035. BYD's share of the EU market grew from 1% to 2.4%, Tesla's from 1.4% to 2.2%.
The broader European market
Across the EU, EFTA countries and the UK combined, Tesla registered 68,776 cars in September (+72.5%), increasing its share from 3.2% to 5%. BYD posted 49,953 registrations (+98.7%) and a 3.7% share versus 2% a year earlier. Over nine months, BYD grew its sales in the region by 134.6% to 283,997 units, surpassing Tesla with its 260,575 (+50%). Market shares stood at 2.7% for BYD (versus 1.2%) and 2.5% for Tesla (versus 1.7%).
Context: a weak start to 2025
Tesla's growth is largely explained by the low comparison period. In January 2025, its registrations in the EU fell by 50.3% year on year — to 7,517 cars, and in the broader European market (EU, EFTA and the UK) — by 45.2% to 9,945. The weakness persisted in the first half of 2025: Tesla's sales in the region declined by 33.2% to 109,879 units, and its market share shrank from 2.4% to 1.6%, creating a low base for comparison in the current year.
