Tesla no longer leads in electric vehicle sales; BYD takes top spot

Tesla has lost its position as the top global seller of electric vehicles, with 1.64 million units sold in 2025, compared to BYD’s 2.26 million, marking a 9% decline attributed to CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political involvement and the expiration of US tax credits for electric vehicles. The company’s fourth quarter sales fell short of expectations, and protests over Musk’s actions have impacted sales. Despite these challenges, investor optimism remains, bolstered by new affordable models and Musk’s ambitious future plans. Tesla stock rose 11% in 2025, while Musk’s wealth continues to grow, positioning him as the world’s richest person.

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