Weekly EV insurance registrations, ending July 20th: Nio counts 2,500, Tesla accounts for 9,900, while rival company AIOMI sees 7,200 registrations on their platform.
In the first half of 2025, the electric vehicle (EV) market in China has shown significant growth, with passenger vehicle sales reaching approximately 10.9 million units, a 10.7% year-on-year increase. New energy vehicles (NEVs) now account for about 10.3% of all vehicles on the road, as per June 2025 data [2].
Leading the charge is BYD, whose sales surged by 311% year-on-year, with 70,500 units registered in June alone [2][4]. The BYD Seagull, the second-best selling EV, is particularly successful in the compact hatchback segment [2][4].
Tesla remains a prominent player in China, with the Model Y ranking third among best-selling electric cars [2]. Despite geopolitical and subsidy concerns, Tesla maintains a significant position as one of the few non-Chinese NEV winners within the top sellers.
Nio, Li Auto, and Xpeng are key domestic EV brands competing fiercely. Nio is a notable player among top Chinese EV brands, alongside Leapmotor and Zeekr [3][4]. Leapmotor and Zeekr are showing promising growth, being part of the five fast-growing Chinese automakers leading EV sales growth in China [3][4].
Geely (with Xingyuan) surprises as the top-selling NEV, while emerging brands like iqoo and Aito have smaller but notable roles [4]. iqoo likely benefits from parent company Vivo’s branding, and Aito is positioned as a newer entrant targeting premium EV segments.
The market trend indicates Chinese car brands doubling their market share in Europe and globally, increasing competitive pressure on foreign brands like Mercedes and Ford [4]. Chinese brands together nearly match Mercedes’ market share (~5.1% vs. 5.2%) and have outsold Ford in H1 2025 [4].
In the latest developments, Nio Inc delivered 24,925 vehicles in June, a new high for the year and the second highest on record [1]. Nio's sub-brand Onvo had 1,720 insurance registrations last week, up 50.88 percent from the previous week [1]. Firefly, another Nio sub-brand, delivered 3,932 vehicles in June, up 6.85 percent from May [1].
Li Auto delivered 36,279 vehicles in June, a decrease of 24.06 percent year-on-year and down 11.20 percent from May [1]. Li Auto began accepting pre-orders for the Li i8 six-seat SUV on July 17 [1].
BYD had 51,400 insurance registrations last week, up 5.37 percent from the previous week [1]. PEV delivered 34,611 vehicles in June, marking the eighth consecutive month of deliveries over 30,000 units [1]. Zeekr delivered 16,702 vehicles in June, down 16.93 percent year-on-year and down 11.67 percent from May [1].
Tesla announced it will launch the six-seat Model Y L in China this fall with a larger size than the five-seat Model Y [1]. Tesla also filed for a new Model 3 variant in China that could bring a longer 800 km range [1].
This trend underscores China's EV market dominance with aggressive growth in both domestic sales and global influence, driven by competitive pricing and broad model offerings from multiple Chinese automakers [1][2][3][4].
- In the first half of 2025, China's electric vehicle (EV) market witnessed a substantial growth, with sales reaching approximately 10.9 million units, an increase of 10.7% year-on-year.
- BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, experienced a significant surge in sales, with 70,500 units registered in June alone, marking a 311% year-on-year increase.
- The EV industry in China is notably competitive, with domestic brands like Nio, Li Auto, and Xpeng challenging top foreign brands such as Tesla.
- Nio, a key domestic player, delivered 24,925 vehicles in June, a new high for the year and the second highest on record, demonstrating its strong market presence.
- Tesla, despite geopolitical and subsidy concerns, remains a prominent player in China, with the Model Y ranking third among best-selling electric cars and maintaining a significant position in the market.
- The market trend indicates that Chinese car brands are doubling their market share in Europe and globally, increasing competitive pressure on foreign brands like Mercedes and Ford.
- Chinese brands together nearly match Mercedes’ market share and have outsold Ford in H1 2025, underscoring China's EV market dominance with aggressive growth in both domestic sales and global influence, driven by competitive pricing and broad model offerings from multiple Chinese automakers.
