In June 2025, BYD Co., China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, achieved its strongest sales month of the year, delivering 377,628 vehicles, including 206,884 battery electric passenger cars, a 10% increase from June 2024, according to a company statement, reports Bloomberg. Despite heavy price reductions, the growth fell short of expectations, while rival Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. saw a 59% sales surge, prompting a bold revision of its 2025 delivery goal.

Price Cuts Drive Sales but Spark Concerns

BYD’s aggressive discounts, reaching up to 34% on select models in May 2025, aimed to clear inventory and boost demand in China’s competitive EV market. However, the strategy yielded only modest growth, with first-half sales totaling 2.1 million units.

Byd’s June 2025 Ev Sales Climb 10% Amid Price Cuts, Geely Raises Annual Target

The price war has drawn scrutiny from Chinese regulators, who criticized the industry’s “rat-race competition” and urged self-regulation on pricing to protect supply chain stability. Investor concerns over shrinking profit margins have also erased over $20 billion from BYD’s market value, reflecting the economic toll of the discounts.

Geely’s Strong Performance Reshapes Targets

Geely, a key competitor, sold over 193,000 vehicles in June, a 59% year-on-year leap. This robust performance led Geely to raise its 2025 delivery target by 11%, aiming for 3 million vehicles. Geely’s success highlights its ability to capitalize on demand for its EV and plug-in hybrid models, such as the Xingyuan, which has gained traction in China. The company’s focus on scalable platforms like the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) supports its rapid production and market expansion.

BYD’s European Growth Outpaces Domestic Gains

While domestic sales growth slowed, BYD’s European performance remains a bright spot. Data from JATO Dynamics shows BYD nearly matched Tesla’s European registrations in May 2025, building on its April outperformance. Sales in Europe nearly quadrupled in the first four months of 2025, per Dataforce, driven by models like the Seagull (Dolphin Surf in Europe), priced at approximately $26,000 (23,000 euros). BYD’s vertically integrated supply chain, including its FinDreams Battery subsidiary, enables competitive pricing despite EU tariffs of up to 35% on Chinese EVs.

Technical and Regulatory Shifts

BYD’s EVs, powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Batteries, offer ranges up to 373 miles (600 kilometers) and fast-charging capabilities, appealing to cost-conscious buyers. However, regulatory pressure in China has forced BYD to end some discounts and commit to standardizing supplier payments within 60 days, addressing concerns over supply chain financing. These changes could stabilize operations but may limit BYD’s ability to sustain deep price cuts.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

The intensifying price war in China’s EV sector, coupled with slowing domestic demand, is pushing manufacturers like BYD and Geely to prioritize overseas markets. BYD’s expansion into Europe, with new factories planned in Hungary and Turkey, signals a strategic shift to counter tariffs and local production challenges. Geely’s partnerships, such as its joint venture with Renault in Brazil, further illustrate the industry’s global ambitions. As competition tightens, technological advancements in battery efficiency and driver-assistance systems will be critical for maintaining market share.

BYD’s June sales reflect resilience amid challenges, but the road ahead demands balancing profitability with growth. Geely’s upward trajectory, meanwhile, underscores the dynamic shifts reshaping the global EV landscape.