BYD overtakes Tesla in global EV market

BYD reclaimed the top spot in global battery-electric vehicle sales in Q2 2026, overtaking Tesla after a switch in leadership earlier in the year. BYD’s BEV volume growth outpaced Tesla’s despite a decline versus the prior year, with Tesla still increasing sales 25% year over year. TrendForce data shows China continued to lead overall new energy vehicle demand, but its share of global BEV and plug-in activity fell to 56% in Q2 2026 from 66% a year earlier. BYD’s overseas push mattered: 44% of its first-half 2026 production volume came from international markets. The report also notes Leapmotor rising to third, Toyota climbing to seventh (+143% YoY), and Volkswagen dropping out of the top 10. Globally, electrified vehicles reached record 33.2% of sales.