China’s EV Turbulence: BYD Outsells Tesla, Xiaomi Tanks as Weekly Registrations Dive

Shockwaves in China’s EV Market: Why BYD Is Dominating While Rivals Struggle in 2025

China’s top EV brands hit by sharp drop in weekly registrations as BYD widens its lead; see which brands defied the slump and what’s next.

China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) industry hit an unexpected speed bump in June 2025. After months of jaw-dropping growth, major electric vehicle (EV) players saw registrations plummet week-over-week—shocking investors, analysts, and industry insiders.

The numbers behind this shakeup reveal a power struggle at the apex of China’s red-hot EV revolution. While some leaders like BYD are clinging to the top spot with sheer volume, upstart brands and global giants are stumbling as the world’s hottest auto market throws curveballs at everyone.

BYD: China’s Undisputed EV King
Fit for a coronation, BYD reported a staggering 54,850 vehicle registrations in week 23—remaining leagues ahead despite an 8.3% weekly drop. The company’s year-on-year tally is still in the black, up nearly 4% from June 2024.

BYD’s venturous sub-brand, Fang Cheng Bao (FCB), recorded explosive growth: up 24.7% week-on-week and steadily outpacing sister brand Denza. FCB is now grabbing headlines as BYD’s new muscle in the EV arms race.

Global Giants Falter: Tesla and Xiaomi Slammed
Tesla’s Chinese adventure ran into turbulence, notching just 8,640 registrations—a sharp 33.7% dip week over week and 28% lower than last June. Xiaomi, which once rode a viral launch to the blockbuster status, suffered the week’s worst crash: registrations tumbled 44% WoW to 4,370 units.

Only Leapmotor, backed by global giant Stellantis, bucked the trend. Registrations jumped 4.8% week-on-week and a massive 132% over the previous year. Leapmotor’s May deliveries even broke its own record, a rare highlight in a bearish market.

Why Are Weekly EV Sales Data Disappearing in China?
After the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) slammed weekly data releases for “undermining industry order,” most automakers pulled back, publishing only their own figures—if any. While public weekly tallies are fading, consultancies and savvy investors still crave these snapshots to forecast the next major move.

To keep your finger on the pulse, industry sources like Car News China and independent data trackers remain the few spots to monitor real-world registration trends.

Q&A: What’s Fueling the EV Downturn in June 2025?

• Why did EV registrations drop this week? The slump coincides with seasonal slowdowns, consumer hesitation amid price wars, and tightening government incentives.
• Are all brands suffering? No—brands like Leapmotor and BYD’s FCB actually posted gains, defying gravity as others spiral downwards.
• Does this mean EV demand is drying up? Not exactly. May’s monthly numbers still show robust year-over-year growth for most manufacturers. The weekly dip highlights volatility, not a long-term crisis.

How to Track China’s EV Winners (and Losers) in 2025

1. Follow automaker self-reports for monthly and weekly trends.
2. Bookmark trusted industry sites like CAAM and Tesla for updates.
3. Monitor real registration data from specialist sources for the most accurate benchmarks.
4. Watch for regulatory changes in China that can shift reporting practices overnight.

Which Brands Defied the Downturn?

• Leapmotor: Up 4.8% WoW, blew past year-over-year records.
• Fang Cheng Bao (BYD): 24.7% weekly leap, pulling away from Denza.
• Xpeng: Despite this week’s slide, boasting 230% May growth YoY.

How to Interpret EV Sales Registrations vs. Deliveries

Electric vehicle registrations reveal real cars hitting the road—not just showroom, test, or demo vehicles, which are often included in manufacturers’ “delivery” figures. Watching registrations, especially amid tricky reporting changes, gives a truer pulse of consumer demand and market shifts.

What Should Investors and Shoppers Watch Next?

Smart stakeholders should monitor:

• Monthly vs. weekly variation—increasing volatility signals market shakeups
• Brands bucking the downtrend—potential breakout opportunities
• Policy tweaks from Beijing—reporting rules can swing sentiment in days
• Innovation and model launches—brands dazzled with new tech rebound fast

Stay Ahead: The Future of China’s EV Race

To navigate the intensifying EV battleground in China, use this checklist:

• ☑ Track weekly and monthly registration data
• ☑ Monitor emerging brands and sub-brands for breakout growth
• ☑ Watch for regulatory announcements from CAAM
• ☑ Compare direct registrations vs. self-reported deliveries for accuracy
• ☑ Check leading news sources, like Car News China and BYD

The race is on: Which brand will own China’s roads next? Watch this space for real-time updates—and don’t get left behind.