China’s electric vehicle market experienced a remarkable first quarter in 2025, with domestic brands leading the way. The total number of registered EVs, including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), reached almost 2.63 million units, representing a 43.2% year-on-year increase, as reported by EV Volumes.
The first quarter of 2025 marked the first time that deliveries surpassed the two-million-unit mark, continuing the trend of increasing sales each year. However, the total was slightly lower than the previous quarter of 2024.
March stood out as the strongest month of the year so far, with over 1.06 million units hitting the roads of China. This figure represented a 44.2% increase compared to the same period last year. January and February also showed positive growth, with 816,883 and 746,109 units sold, respectively.
BEVs emerged as the preferred powertrain in the EV market, accounting for 58.5% of deliveries, up from 56.7% in the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, PHEVs held a 41.5% market share, slightly down from 43.3% the previous year.
BYD secured the top spot in the EV market at the end of the first quarter, with 696,532 sales and a 26.5% market share. The brand excelled in the PHEV segment, claiming seven of the top 10 best-selling models in January and March. Geely followed closely in second place, with a total of 244,013 deliveries and a 9.3% market share, showcasing strong performances in both the BEV and PHEV markets.
Wuling also had a successful start to 2025, with 163,150 sales attributed to its Mini model, making it the second-best-selling BEV in the quarter.
Tesla, despite being a prominent player in the EV market, faced challenges from domestic brands and landed in fourth place. The US carmaker sold 134,886 units in the first quarter, with a market share of 5.1%. Li Auto and Xpeng rounded out the top five, with notable increases in sales compared to the previous year.
Consistency proved to be crucial in the Chinese EV market, with brands like Chery, Leapmotor, Xiaomi, and Changan securing spots in the top 10 despite facing tough competition. Each brand showcased significant growth in sales and market share, highlighting the increasing popularity of EVs in China.
Overall, the first quarter of 2025 demonstrated the continued growth and competitiveness of the Chinese EV market, with domestic brands leading the charge and setting the stage for a promising year ahead.
