The Chinese manufacturer BYD delivered more cars than Tesla in 2023. But these are electrified vehicles, the volume of which adds 100% electric models and hybrids.
In 2023, Tesla delivered 1,808,581 cars, according to its results published on January 2. This is obviously its new record, eclipsing the 1,313,851 vehicles sold in 2022 (+ 38%). At the same time, the Chinese manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) reached a total volume of 3,024,417 cars, we discover in its report shared on January 1. Should we conclude that Tesla was beaten? In the electrified car market, yes. But not in the 100% electric car segment.
Present in France for only a few months, BYD markets both 100% electric models (which Tesla offers) and plug-in hybrid references (a segment in which Tesla is not). And if we only talk about 100% electric cars, then BYD must still bow: 1,574,822 units, a breath behind Tesla. But Elon Musk’s firm must still be wary of this Asian competitor, which experienced incredible growth in 2023 (+ 62.3%).
BYD’s crazy growth could scare Tesla
More than the whole year, it is interesting to look at the trend of the months which have just passed. In the last quarter of 2023, we note that BYD is ahead in 100% electric cars delivered to customers: 526,409, compared to 484,507. The Chinese firm had already moved closer to its American counterpart over the previous period (431,603 compared to 435,059). The progression is clearly in favor of BYD.
In France, BYD markets five 100% electric models (the hybrids will normally arrive this year):
- The small Atto 3 SUV at €43,690 (420 kilometers of range);
- The compact Dolphin at €33,990 (427 kilometers of range);
- The Seal compact sedan at €46,990 (570 kilometers of autonomy), competitor to the Tesla Model 3;
- The Tang SUV at €70,800 (400 kilometers of range);
- The Han sedan at €70,800 (521 kilometers of autonomy).
We find a similar range at Tesla, with the exception of a compact model – which is currently in preparation (the famous Model 2). But BYD is far from the mark in France, with 520 registrations in 2023 (sum of data provided by AAA Datas). This low volume highlights a good margin of progress for the company, in a market where Tesla is already well established. Even if she will not be able to count on the ecological bonus to seduce.
In any case, it will be interesting to observe this battle from a distance between BYD and Tesla, which has perhaps finally found a rival worthy of its success. A major rival, since we are talking about the world number 1… in the electrified car market.
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