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BYD Overtakes Tesla in Hong Kong EV Market Amid Right-Hand Drive Push

  • tech360.tv
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

BYD surpassed Tesla in new electric vehicle registrations in Hong Kong during the first half of 2025, marking a significant milestone for Chinese carmakers targeting right-hand drive markets.


A blue car drives on a curvy road through a lush, hilly landscape. The sky is clear. The mood is dynamic and adventurous.
Credit: BYD

The Shenzhen-based manufacturer accounted for 27% of the 18,356 private EVs registered in the city from January to June, according to Hong Kong’s Transport Department. BYD registered 4,902 vehicles, edging out Tesla’s 3,889.


BYD’s top-selling model was the Sealion 07, a mid-size, five-seat electric SUV launched at the end of 2024. The model alone contributed 3,676 units to BYD’s total.


Other top brands in the first half included Geely-owned Zeekr, Toyota, and Xpeng. Together with BYD and Tesla, the top six brands made up 66% of all EV registrations in the city.


In 2024, Tesla had nearly doubled BYD’s EV sales in Hong Kong, registering 9,556 vehicles. However, Chinese EV makers have intensified their efforts in the city amid stiff competition at home and limited access to markets like the United States and the European Union.


David Zhang, secretary general of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association, said Chinese EV brands are gaining traction in Hong Kong due to their advanced technologies, attractive features, and competitive pricing.


Three cars on icy terrain under a clear blue sky. Red, silver, and blue cars face a glowing panel with "°C." Mountains in the background.
Credit: BYD

Zhang noted that Chinese EVs often include features such as electric massage seats, smart cockpits, and leather interiors, while costing 30% to 50% less than foreign luxury brands.


Despite annual car sales in Hong Kong averaging fewer than 40,000 units, mainland carmakers view the city as a strategic testing ground for self-driving technologies and a gateway to the global right-hand-drive market.


Xpeng co-founder and CEO He Xiaopeng said in June that the company plans to introduce smart cars with semi-autonomous driving systems in Hong Kong next year.


Last month, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers hosted its first International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong. The event featured 80 models, mostly EVs, from major mainland carmakers including SAIC Motor, Geely Auto, GAC Group, and Chery Automobile.


Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the city’s global capital market and professional services can support Chinese EV firms in financing and promoting their products internationally.


As part of its EV road map announced in March 2021, Hong Kong aims to end new registrations of fuel-powered private cars, including hybrids, by 2035 or earlier.

  • BYD led Hong Kong’s EV market in H1 2025 with 4,902 registrations

  • Tesla followed with 3,889 units, down from 9,556 in 2024

  • BYD’s Sealion 07 SUV was the top-selling model


Source: SCMP

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