China’s car market is increasingly dominated by electric-powered vehicles, with Geely, Tesla, BYD, and Volkswagen emerging as the top sellers according to the latest industry data from Autohome and the China Passenger Car Association [1]. Geely’s Xingyuan electric hatchback was the best-selling model in the six months through July, with nearly 197,500 units sold at a price just under 100,000 yuan ($14,820) [1]. Geely, which also sells gasoline-powered cars under its premium Zeekr brand, ranked second in overall China sales volume in 2025, closely rivaling BYD [1].
Tesla’s Model Y secured the second spot in popularity, selling more than 180,000 units despite a higher price range of 263,500 to 313,500 yuan, outperforming Li Auto’s i6 SUV and Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan [1]. BYD placed three models in the top ten, with its Yuan UP SUV ranking fifth at nearly 97,700 units sold, followed by the Ti 7 and Sealion 06 SUVs [1]. However, BYD reported a decline in passenger car sales by more than 10% in the first half of the year [1].
Volkswagen was the only traditional foreign automaker to make the top ten, with its gasoline-powered Lavida in ninth place, positioned between Leapmotor’s A10 electric SUV and Geely’s Boyue L SUV [1].
Electric and hybrid vehicles, categorized as new energy vehicles, accounted for 65.1% of new passenger car sales in July, up from 54% a year earlier, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association [1]. Despite this increase in market share, sales for new energy vehicles from January through July dropped by 12.5%, and overall passenger car sales fell by 20.3% during the same period [1].
CONCLUSION
China’s car market is undergoing a rapid shift toward electric vehicles, with Geely, Tesla, and BYD leading sales despite overall declines in passenger car volumes. The dominance of new energy vehicles, now accounting for over 65% of new sales, signals a significant transformation in consumer preferences and industry dynamics.