BYD Refutes Claims of Cutting EV Production in China Amid Rumors
BYD, a prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently been at the center of rumors suggesting a slowdown in EV production in China. Despite reports claiming a reduction in output due to slowing sales, the company has strongly denied these allegations, asserting that production remains stable and sales continue to grow.
In May, global sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) reached approximately 382,476 units, marking BYD’s best sales month of 2025. The company, like many other automakers in China, regularly reports its monthly NEV sales, which encompass both fully electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
BYD’s overall sales have increased by 39% in the first five months of the year, with over 1.76 million NEVs sold worldwide. Excluding commercial vehicles, BYD’s passenger vehicle sales have also risen by 37% during the same period, totaling over 1.73 million units.
Notably, the growth in sales has been predominantly driven by the surge in battery-electric vehicles (EVs), which have seen a 40% increase in sales compared to the previous year.
Contrary to reports suggesting a decline in production, BYD has refuted these claims, emphasizing that production levels remain stable and sales are steadily increasing. A source close to the company dismissed rumors of reduced output and highlighted that dealer inventory levels are at a reasonable level.
The rumors of production cuts could have been significant, especially following BYD’s aggressive price cuts on 22 of its vehicles in May, slashing prices by up to 34%. Despite these actions, BYD maintains its sales target of around 5.5 million vehicles for the year, reflecting a nearly 30% increase from 2024.
While BYD’s annual growth rate has slowed in recent years, the company continues to gain market share in China. Reports indicate that BYD’s share of the auto market has risen from 15% to 17% in just a few months, underscoring its competitive position in the industry.
In light of an escalating EV price war and the influx of low-cost domestic vehicles in the market, Chinese automakers are turning their focus to international markets for growth. BYD has achieved record overseas sales for the sixth consecutive month in May, selling over 89,000 NEVs outside of China.
BYD’s expansion into Europe has been particularly noteworthy, with the company surpassing Tesla in monthly vehicle registrations in the region. The launch of its affordable Dolphin Surf EV in the UK further solidifies BYD’s commitment to international markets, with plans for significant sales growth in Europe in the coming years.
Despite any potential production adjustments in China, BYD’s strategic approach to global expansion positions the company for continued growth and success in the EV market worldwide.
