BYD Down 21% & PHEVs Down 7% YoY — August 2025 China EV Gross sales Report

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BEVs represented over a 3rd of the overall Chinese language automobile market in August.

We noticed plugins rating one other million-plus gross sales in August (in a 2-million-unit general market, up 5% YoY), however progress has been slowing down, with August displaying simply an 8% improve over August 2024.

Digging deeper into the numbers, BEVs continued to develop, going up by 17% to 686,000 models, or 34% of general gross sales. PHEVs had been down once more, this time by 7% YoY, to 314,000 models. EREVS had been steady, at 100,000 models. Plugins due to this fact achieved 55% market share.

Have we reached a turning level in PHEV adoption? To be continued…

This pulls the year-to-date (YTD) tally to over 7.6 million models. So, we must always see plugins finish the yr above 10 million models — in China alone….

This end in August pulled the 2025 share to 55%. BEV share of the market rose to 34%. Anticipate to see plugins proceed to develop its share within the following months. For now, plugins have 51% of the overall auto market this yr (32% only for BEVs), which implies that most new vehicles bought in China this yr have a plug!

(Might China attain 55% plugin car share by yr finish?)

Concerning EV exports, in August, there have been 204,000 EVs exported from China, up 103% YoY. They represented 41% of the overall variety of passenger vehicles exported from China, which implies that exports are much less electrified than home gross sales.

Because of this Chinese language OEMs are versatile and comply with the slower EV adoption tempo of export markets, which, come to think about it, is sort of ironic. We hear some folks with energy say that, if we delay EV adoption, we save the native automotive trade, as a result of the Chinese language received’t come and steal their cake….

Within the general rating, in August, absolutely fossil-fueled fashions had simply two representatives within the prime 10. The most effective positioned was the Nissan Sylphy in fifth, a surprisingly good standing for the compact sedan, which really grew in gross sales by 16% YoY. Nissan had one other constructive month, so there may be nonetheless hope for the Japanese carmaker in China, however extra on that later.

With the opposite 100% ICE mannequin (the Volkswagen Lavida) closing out the highest 10, I imagine will probably be solely a matter of time earlier than now we have only one pure ICE consultant within the desk. However plainly eliminating the Nissan sedan received’t be simple….

the perfect sellers in a number of measurement classes, all however the C phase (compact vehicles) have plugins main the way in which. In reality, the C phase is the one phase the place ICE fashions nonetheless have representatives.

Contemplating the suggestions on my earlier China EV gross sales report, I’ve modified the segmentation of some fashions, together with the BYD Qin Plus, which went from the D phase to the C phase.

In all different classes, ICE fashions had been absent. This can be a recurring theme. So, plainly the C phase is the toughest of all to transform into EVs.

particular person fashions, the largest shock was the rostrum for the complete measurement class. On one hand, Xiaomi’s SU7 sports activities sedan was crushed by the AITO M8, with the large SUV successful the class title in August. Then again, Xiaomi had its new child, the Ferrari-looking YU7 crossover, attain the class podium, because of 16,548 models in solely its third month available on the market. I wager it received’t be lengthy earlier than the YU7 will change into the brand new chief on this class

One other matter to focus on is the rise and rise of the Geely Xingyuan, which is now promoting greater than its direct rivals, the BYD Seagull and Yuan Up … collectively!

Right here’s extra information and commentary on August’s prime promoting electrical fashions:

#1 — Geely Geome Xingyuan

Geely has struck gold with this one. After a lot of failed makes an attempt to launch fashions that may keep in the perfect sellers desk (Galaxy L6, Galaxy E5, and many others.), the Hangzhou make lastly discovered the successful system to not solely beat BYD, but additionally win the management race within the fierce Chinese language automotive market. With BYD proudly owning many of the market segments, because of a number of well-liked fashions, the little Xingyuan profited from the truth that BYD was underrepresented within the decrease segments, which had left an area between the A to B phase Seagull and the B to C phase Dolphin. With pricing and specs nearer to the Seagull, however with an inside area and high quality nearer to the Dolphin, the small Geely carved out an area of its personal, which has been increasing in each passing month. This August, the small hatchback stayed within the management spot, managing as soon as once more to proceed in document mode (for the eighth month in a row!) because of a greatest ever rating of 46,057 models. Beginning with an 80,000 CNY (+/-$11,000) value, the client will get a 30 kWh LFP battery from CATL, which is nothing to write down residence about till you notice that its value is nearer to the BYD Seagull’s (70,000 CNY for the 30 kWh model) than the BYD Dolphin’s (100,000 CNY). Exports? Absolutely that should be on the playing cards. However first Geely might want to end the manufacturing ramp-up and fulfill its personal inside market.

#2 — Tesla Mannequin Y

Final yr’s silver medalist had an okay month in August, dropping simply 13% YoY to 39,413 deliveries, however nonetheless permitting it a podium place. With the longer, 6-seat “L” model simply touchdown, Tesla is attempting to cease the gross sales bleed. Will it have the ability to return to the good previous days? Except Elon has a trick up his sleeve, I very a lot doubt it, particularly with new competitors just like the Xiaomi YU7 and others prefer it. The YU7 received lots of of hundreds of locked-in orders inside hours. These orders have to come back from someplace, and with the market already at 50% share, it received’t be simply from ICE fashions…. Yep, Tesla, but additionally BYD, will undergo.

#3 — Wuling HongGuang Mini EV

This tiny EV is taking full revenue from its era change, which occurred late final yr. It’s now again among the many prime sellers, and in August it collected 37,828 registrations, a big 43% improve year-on-year. Due to a extra rounded design, which sort of jogs my memory of the face of a Panda, and upgraded specs and interiors, SAIC’s smallest hatchback has misplaced its barebones really feel. It now appears extra car-like. Wuling even gives a five-door model! Regardless of all of this, the value hasn’t elevated that a lot, with SAIC’s star mannequin beginning at $5,500.

#4 — BYD Qin Plus (BEV+PHEV)

The previous canine as soon as once more joined the highest 5 in August, because of 35,800 registrations, a slightly meritworthy efficiency, regardless of being down by a big 16% YoY. In spite of everything, in the identical interval, its brother in arms, the Tune, was down by … 52%! Again to the Qin’s efficiency, this quantity meant that it was the perfect promoting sedan in China, all powertrains counted. The 7-year-old physique is likely to be displaying some wrinkles, however the low costs nonetheless present important demand for the sedan. The query is — for a way lengthy? To make issues worse, it doesn’t appear to be its offspring are in a position to fill the gaps that the Qin Plus is leaving (in August, the Qin L was down by 29% YoY and the Seal 06 was down by 17%).

#5 — BYD Seal 06 (BEV+PHEV)

BYD’s midsize sedan scored 27,414 registrations, which was a 17% drop YoY. Because the sexier sibling of the extra conservative Qin L, the volumes of each fashions counted collectively (over 52,000 models) characterize a related portion of the midsize sedan market, however alternatively, each nameplates are down considerably this yr. A aggressive value can solely get you to date. With an more and more aggressive market, each BYD fashions are on a descending curve. Non permanent setback? Time will inform.

the remainder of the perfect vendor desk, one spotlight within the BYD steady is the brand new Sealion 06 crossover, leaping into the desk at #7 with over 25,000 registrations. Maybe not coincidentally, each the Tune (-52% YoY) and Tune L (-33% YoY) had harsh drops, whereas within the decrease segments, the Seagull had a stunning crash, with its gross sales falling by 51% YoY! Within the compact class, the Yuan Plus additionally crashed, falling 56% YoY to fewer than 12,000 registrations. On the constructive facet, the BYD Seal 05 joined the desk at #19 because of 13,495 registrations, a brand new document for the refreshed mannequin, beforehand often known as the Destroyer 05.

Elsewhere, in August, now we have two recent faces (the Haval Raptor and Xiaomi YU7), and one other that doesn’t come by usually (Leapmotor C10).

The presence of Nice Wall’s Haval Raptor was little question essentially the most stunning presence on the desk this month, with the rugged midsize SUV debuting within the prime 20 because of a document 17,522 registrations. Is it a one-time factor, or will we see this good-looking brute once more?

Whereas the Raptor’s presence was essentially the most stunning, the YU7’s is essentially the most important. With Xiaomi’s sporty crossover becoming a member of the desk in solely its third month available on the market, one wonders how excessive it can go as soon as manufacturing is absolutely ramped up. The #1 spot in China is unquestionably a chance for the YU7.

Lastly, there’s Leapmotor’s midsize crossover, the C10. With the startup producing a seemingly unending streak of aggressive, value-for-money-focused automobiles, it was solely a query of time till they began showing on the desk. Benefiting from a current refresh, the C10 received sufficient momentum to succeed in the #20 place, because of 13,384 registrations. And one thing tells me this received’t be the final Leapmotor on the desk….

… As a result of outdoors the highest 20, now we have the just lately launched Leapmotor B01 compact sedan, scoring 10,171 registrations in solely its third month available on the market. So, this may very well be one other main vendor for the Hangzhou startup.

In addition to the Leapmotor sedan, a couple of different just lately launched fashions are ramping up manufacturing.

Onvo, NIO’s mainstream model, has thrown all the pieces and the kitchen sink into its new L90 three-row, full-size SUV, together with a killer value ($37,000). That is the mannequin that might save or break Onvo, and with it, NIO. And, for now, issues are wanting good, having landed with 10,575 models, the most effective landings ever. This is among the fashions to maintain a detailed eye on within the coming months.

Elsewhere, in a uncommon vivid spot for international manufacturers, the ramp-up of the Nissan N7 midsize sedan continues, scoring a big 10,148 registrations, its first 5 digit efficiency. This can be a good signal for Nissan’s fortunes in China, even when the mannequin relies on a Dongfeng platform. This may very well be one path for the way forward for international OEMs in China — utilizing native platforms to develop their new EVs, and on the similar time studying and shutting the hole they’ve in comparison with the native OEMs.

Concerning home legacy OEMs, one spotlight was the Chery Fulwin A9L, with the slightly enticing full-size plugin hybrid sedan scoring 10,243 registrations in its full gross sales month. In the meantime, within the Geely steady, the Galaxy A7, the make’s new try and beat BYD’s midsize sedans, began on the fitting foot wheel by scoring 12,078 registrations in its first full month.

However, for some to go up, others have to come back down. Two examples of fashions which have seen higher days are the Wuling Bingo, which is down 46% YoY, to 12,078 registrations, and the Li Xiang L6, down an astonishing 55% YoY. The L6 is affected by altering buyer tastes — plainly PHEVs aren’t cool anymore — and likewise the upcoming arrival of the Li i6, the smaller sibling of the brand new Li Xiang i8 BEV.

The 20 Greatest Promoting Electrical Autos in China — January–August 2024

The king is lifeless, lengthy dwell the king! The Geely Xingyuan is the brand new chief in China!

Yep, wanting on the 2025 rating, the little hatchback managed to surpass the growing older BYD Tune, and contemplating present gross sales developments, it appears the Geely mannequin received’t go away that place anytime quickly.

If this pattern will get confirmed and the Xingyuan wins the title this yr, will probably be a primary for the Chinese language conglomerate, and the tip of a three-year reign of the BYD Tune. And to suppose that, up till this yr, no mannequin from the Geely mothership had even made it to the rostrum….

Phase-wise, this is able to even be a big change. After two years of podiums made up completely of midsize fashions, 2025 may very well be the yr that small vehicles regain protagonism on the rostrum.

In spite of everything, the #3 Tesla Mannequin Y has the tiny Wuling Mini EV simply 5,000 models behind. So, though the US crossover stays the favourite for the bronze medal, it isn’t not possible that the little metropolis automobile might finish in third. Now, think about that — two small EVs on the Chinese language podium! And folks say that small EVs aren’t aggressive….

Additionally fascinating to see within the present standing is that now we have 4 fashions on the highest positions, from 4 totally different manufacturers! Hurrah for range!

Just under the rostrum, there was one other place change. Regardless of a so so month in August, the BYD Qin Plus benefitted from a horrible month from the BYD Seagull (down 51% YoY) to surpass it and attain the fifth spot.

Beneath the highest positions, there was excellent news for Tesla, with the Mannequin 3 climbing one place in August, to #11. The US sedan misplaced simply 2% of its gross sales in comparison with August 2024.

The Climber of the Month was the BYD Yuan Up, which jumped from 18th to fifteenth place.

Lastly, benefiting from the BYD Han being in sundown mode, the BYD Dolphin returned to the desk, changing the growing older flagship BYD at #19.

Wanting on the general producer rating (not simply electrics), it appears BYD has discovered the demand ceiling in its home market. In August, it noticed its gross sales drop by a big 21% YoY, the second month in a row of serious drops, after the 17% lower of July.

Then again, #2 Geely is way from these points, having seen its gross sales soar 84% this yr. That is whereas most international representatives are both stagnating or seeing gross sales drop. Most, however not all — Nissan was tenth because of enviable 25% progress YoY. With constructive performances in each the ICE (Sylphy) and EV (N7) enterprise, the Japanese model reveals that there’s nonetheless hope for international manufacturers.

Beneath Nissan, now we have the opposite spotlight of the month — fast-growing Leapmotor was at #11, because of virtually 51,000 registrations. That’s an 83% soar YoY. The startup is at present on the prime of its sport, and now that it has change into worthwhile, the Valley of Demise is behind the nine-year-old startup. A prime 5 place appears not solely doable, however possible.

However Leapmotor’s startup management may very well be short-lived, as a result of there are usually not one however two unstoppable trains coming from behind Leapmotor. One known as Xiaomi (#17 in August, up 178% YoY), whereas the opposite is Xpeng (#20, up 201% YoY). Which considered one of them would be the greatest promoting EV startup in 2025? Please place your bets.

Then again, it’s not solely international manufacturers which can be struggling. Native groups are down too, and presumably essentially the most stunning is Li Auto, which noticed its gross sales drop a big 41% in August, ending the month at #22. With a PHEV-heavy lineup, the startup firm is affected by the nation’s obvious shift in direction of BEVs. Might this be extra proof that now we have reached Peak PHEV?

Oh, and there’s the NIO model. The premium positioning of the make was all the time going to undergo from the launch of the extra mainstream Onvo model. Particularly now that they’ve a aggressive mannequin, the L90. And that reveals in NIO’s gross sales, that are falling via the roof. They dropped in August to half of what they had been a yr earlier than….

Auto Manufacturers Promoting the Most Electrical Autos in China

Wanting on the auto model rating for plugin automobiles, there isn’t a lot information. BYD (25.8%, down from 26%) continued its sluggish descent, however has its management place secured this yr. #2 Geely (10.2%) is simply too far behind to hassle in any manner.

Wuling (5%) stayed within the #3 spot, however misplaced a few of its benefit over Tesla, which gained some share (4.8% now vs. 4.7% in July).

Because of this, with two thirds of the yr handed, for the primary time since 2019, Tesla can’t attain the rostrum of the Chinese language EV producer desk. Will this standing keep this manner till the tip of the yr?

Elsewhere, a rising Leapmotor (3.9%, up from 3.8% in July) has gained floor over #6 Li Auto, which continues to slip (3.5% now vs. 3.6% in July). In reality, #7 Xpeng (3.3%) is getting near it. Will the Guangzhou startup have the ability to surpass Li Auto in September, or will it have to attend for This fall?

Auto Teams Promoting the Most Electrical Autos in China

OEMs/automotive teams/alliances, BYD is comfortably main, with 29% share of the market.

#2 Geely is a distant runner-up, with 12.4% share, however with #3 Changan having simply 6.5% share, Geely is secure within the runner-up place.

As for #4 SAIC (5.7%), it’s steady and will stay in 4th till the tip of the yr.

Tesla (4.8%, up 0.1% in August) remained in fifth, however Tesla’s 2024 #3 spot within the OEM rating appears virtually not possible to realize, and it might even be the case that there shall be no Tesla on any podium — fashions, manufacturers, or OEMs — for the primary time since 2019!

Happily for the US model, #6 Chery (4.1%) is simply too far behind to change into an actual menace to its #5 place.