BYD: Everything You Need to Know

Now, let’s dive into something that still feels new and intriguing for the American market: Chinese electric vehicles. To kick things off, we’re starting with BYD, the most well-known and largest automaker in China. Instead of focusing on a single model, we believe it’s far more valuable to take a closer look at the brand itself. This way, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of why BYD has become such a powerful force in the EV industry and what makes it worth paying attention to.

So, let’s begin our first in-depth brand review and uncover what BYD brings to the table.

Is It Possible to Purchase a BYD Car in America?

At the moment, there’s no official way to purchase BYD cars in the United States or Canada. The company did make an attempt to enter the market a few years ago by showcasing its Han sedan to American journalists, bringing one vehicle to the U.S. for media test drives and publicity. However, after that initial effort, nothing materialized: BYD never launched sales operations or dealerships in the country.

In addition, current political tensions and trade policies, especially those introduced during the Trump era and still influencing today’s regulations, make the entry of BYD and other Chinese automakers into the U.S. market even more uncertain. High tariffs, protectionist measures, and security concerns have created significant barriers for Chinese brands. As a result, we don’t expect BYD to officially arrive in the U.S. anytime soon.

Are BYD Vehicles Cheaper Than Tesla Models?

Since BYD and Tesla offer different types of electric vehicles across their lineups, it’s fair to focus on two of their closest competitors in Europe: the Tesla Model 3 and the BYD Seal. Both are mid-size electric sedans targeting a similar audience, so comparing their pricing gives a good picture of how these two brands position themselves in the European market.

In Germany, the BYD Seal starts at €46,990 for the base Comfort trim. By contrast, the Tesla Model 3 begins at €42,490 for its Standard Range RWD version, making the American EV noticeably more affordable than its Chinese rival at the entry level. This price difference remains consistent as you move up the trim ladder. The Seal Excellence AWD is priced from €52,990, while the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD comes in slightly lower at €50,970.

Some may point out that Tesla also offers a Performance trim, which is significantly more expensive than the top version of the Seal. However, this comparison isn’t entirely fair. The Performance Model 3 is aimed at a different niche, offering sports car–like acceleration and handling, while BYD has yet to introduce a true performance-oriented variant of the Seal. For now, BYD seems to be focusing more on comfort, technology, and value rather than outright performance.

Why Did BYD Become the Top EV Seller in Europe?

If you didn’t know, in July of this year BYD achieved a major milestone in Europe: the brand sold 13,503 new electric vehicles, marking an incredible 225% year-on-year growth. Even more impressive, this surge allowed BYD to overtake Tesla for the first time in monthly sales, as Tesla registrations fell sharply by 40% to just 8,837 units during the same period. This shift raised an important question: what exactly caused such a dramatic change in the market?

The answer lies in BYD’s smart strategy to focus on affordability without compromising too much on quality or features. In recent months, BYD has rolled out a range of budget-friendly EVs designed to appeal to a much wider audience than traditional premium EV brands. These models offer solid range, modern technology, and competitive performance, all at significantly lower prices than most of their rivals.

For example, the BYD Dolphin Surf starts at just €22,990, positioning it as one of the most accessible electric cars on the European market. The Atto 2 follows a similar path, with a starting price below €32,000. Alongside these, BYD has introduced several other models that undercut competitors like Tesla, focusing on practicality and value for money rather than only on high performance or luxury.

This pricing strategy has proven to be extremely effective. While Tesla continues to rely heavily on a smaller lineup of higher-priced vehicles, BYD is capturing a broader customer base: from urban drivers looking for affordable EVs to families searching for versatile electric crossovers. As a result, BYD has managed to quickly expand its footprint in Europe and surpass not only Tesla but also many other established EV brands in monthly sales. BYD is also pushing the boundaries of EV technology. Recently, the company unveiled a new battery capable of adding 400 kilometers of range in just five minutes, marking a significant step forward for the entire electric vehicle industry.

What Is the Actual BYD Lineup?

In 2025, BYD’s lineup in Europe expanded significantly, marking a major step in the brand’s strategy to strengthen its presence on the continent. Just a couple of years ago, BYD offered only a handful of models, but now European customers can choose from a diverse range of ten different vehicles, covering multiple segments and price categories. This rapid expansion shows how seriously the company is approaching the European market, aiming to compete not just with Tesla but also with established European automakers.

Electric models currently available:

• BYD Dolphin Surf
• BYD Dolphin
• BYD Atto 2
• BYD Atto 3
• BYD Seal
• BYD Sealion 7
• BYD Seal U
• BYD Tang

Hybrid models currently available:

• BYD Seal U DM-i
• BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring

This wide lineup demonstrates BYD’s clear intention to cover as many niches as possible. From compact hatchbacks like the Dolphin to larger SUVs such as the Tang or Sealion 7, and from affordable urban EVs to more premium sedans like the Seal, the variety is impressive. Hybrid models, equipped with BYD’s efficient DM-i technology, also cater to buyers who are not ready to fully switch to electric but still want to reduce their emissions and fuel costs.

Another key point is that the majority of these models are positioned in the budget-friendly segment, making them accessible to a broader range of customers. Whether you’re looking for a city car, a family crossover, or a stylish sedan, BYD now offers multiple body types and styles to match different needs, even if your budget is tight. This well-rounded and strategically priced lineup is one of the main reasons why BYD is quickly gaining popularity among European drivers.

Who Are BYD’s Biggest Competitors?

It really depends on the region you’re looking at. In China, BYD faces strong competition from domestic automakers such as Nio, Xpeng, and Geely. These brands are rapidly developing advanced technologies, introducing new models, and building strong customer loyalty within the local market, which makes the competition especially intense.

In Europe, however, the picture looks a bit different. Here, BYD’s main rivals are Tesla, Volkswagen, Renault, and Nissan, brands that already have a well-established presence, strong dealer networks, and loyal customer bases. Tesla continues to dominate the premium EV segment, while Volkswagen, Renault, and Nissan focus more on the mass market with affordable and practical electric models.

EV.com Insight

We hope that now you have a clearer understanding of BYD, one of the largest and most ambitious automotive giants from China. Its aggressive strategy and focus on affordable yet capable electric vehicles have already made it the number one EV seller in Europe, and all signs indicate that this momentum will continue in the years ahead. We can only imagine how the North American EV market might change once BYD and other Chinese automakers eventually arrive.

But if you don’t want to wait for that moment and prefer to explore excellent alternatives that are already available in the U.S., you’re in the right place. Simply head to our Search section, where we’ve gathered thousands of the best EV deals across the country, all from certified dealers with verified vehicle history.