Chinese automaker BYD Co. is poised to reclaim the title of global leader in all-electric car sales, ahead of Tesla Inc. in the second quarter of 2026. According to published data, BYD delivered 557,090 electric vehicles in April-June. Although this figure is lower than the same period last year, it is enough to beat Tesla. The US company is expected to deliver around 396,500 vehicles over the same period.

BYD was first ahead of Tesla in the fourth quarter of 2024 and held the lead throughout 2025. However, in the first quarter of 2026, Tesla regained its leading position by surpassing competitors by some 48,000 cars, amid weakening demand in China. An important factor in BYD’s success is its global expansion, with some 43% of sales in June going to foreign markets. The company’s combined sales of all engine types increased by 5.5% in June, to 403,472 units.

Amid a fierce price war in China, BYD is betting on technological innovation: at the end of May, the company unveiled a powerful chip for self-driving cars and is expanding production of next-generation batteries. At the same time, Tesla has started a recruitment of driver assistance specialists in China to increase competition with local players.